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What would happen if someone outside your business – a competitor or a criminal – got hold of your data?
 

Why its Important to Restrict Access to Your Data

Andee Gale —

Just as you might lock a cupboard or a room in the house to keep your belongings safe, so you should restrict access to certain parts of your computer system.

Do you know what is the most important data to your business? This could be your retail/wholesale prices, customer data base, business strategy, or business secrets (intellectual property that gives you the edge over competitors).

What would happen if someone outside your business – a competitor or a criminal – got hold of that data? Or what if someone from inside your business accidentally or deliberately released important business information?

Just as you might lock a cupboard or a room in the house to keep your belongings safe, so you should restrict access to certain parts of your computer system.

What Should I Do?

You need to work out who in your business needs access to what information. Does everyone in your business need to have access to all of your business information?

It is sensible to develop a system that restricts access to certain information to just those staff with a need to know. Also, if staff no longer work for the business, make sure you have disabled their accounts so that they can no longer access your business information.

This involves access controls or privilege rights – including password controls as well as physical access limitations. You should also consider the physical security of your computers – could someone steal your computer? Make sure your computers are away from public access. Consider using a cable lock on your computer or laptop – they work just like a bicycle lock, making it harder for the opportunist thief.

Also have a look at Keeping Your Portable Devices Secure.

If you work from home, you should consider having a separate computer for your business. Cyber criminals often focus on broadband connections that are “always on”, as well as chat sites, games or file-sharing applications. Having a separate work computer can help to quarantine your precious business data from these risks.

If you or your staff use Wi-Fi, either at work, at home or in public places also check out How to Use Wi-Fi Securely. Also don't forget to make sure your software is up to date, your firewall is turned on and you are using up to date antivirus software.