Cyber Security – Protect Vital Confidential Client & Employee Information

A potential risk/exposure facing business owners is the protection of client and/or employee confidential information from cyber attacks (i.e. recent Target and Neiman Marcus events).

The legislature is currently outlining recommendations for California businesses to protect against and respond to the increasing threat of malware, data breaches and other cyber risks.

The guide, Cybersecurity in the Golden State, is the product of a collaborative effort between the California Attorney General’s office, CalChamber and Lookout, a mobile security company.

“Prevention is the best medicine. Not only does the guide provide useful information to reduce the threat of cybercrime; it highlights the need to be proactive in preventing data breeches. This is good for California businesses and consumers,” said CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremburg.

Following are some steps that all small businesses can and should take to reduce their risk:

• Assume that you’re a target and develop an incident response plan now
• Review the data that your business stores and shares with third parties, including backup storage and cloud computing. Once you know what data you have and where it is, get rid of what isn’t necessary
• Encrypt the data you need to keep. Strong encryption technology is now commonly available for free, it is easy to use
• Follow safe online practices, such as regularly updating firewall and antivirus software on all devices, using strong passwords, avoiding downloading software from unknown sources and practicing safe online banking by using only a secure browser connection

If you are concerned whether your business is adequately equipped with these precautions to protect against a cyber breech, you should contact your IT provider immediately or contact us for a referral.

The information presented is not intended to be, and does not constitute, “legal advice.” Because each situation varies, and only brief summary information is provided here, you should not use this information as a basis for action unless you have independently verified with your own counsel that it applies to your particular situation.