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Guide to protecting your employees’ sensitive data

There is a significant risk to your organization! Your systems are currently full of personally identifiable information (PII) of your team members. At face value, a phone number or an address may seem harmless. When combined, however, that information can be a treasure for a data breach that has the potential of harming your company, allowing cybercriminals to take the identity of employees and drain resources.

Are you doing everything possible to secure your employees’ personal information and, at the same time, your business operations? You have to act quickly.

Organizations must prioritize protecting sensitive employee data against financial risks, as over 95% of breaches are motivated by financial interests.

For those who are unsure of where to begin, do not get excited. We can assist you with the implementation of some practical, particular actions focused on starting your safe workplace.

A Quick Glance at Risks vs. Benefits of Protecting Employee Data

Risk of Not protecting Employee DataBenefits of Protecting Employee Data
Legal and Regulatory RepercussionsLegal Compliance
Non-compliance with laws like GDPR, CCPA, or HIPAA can result in heavy fines.Proactively adhering to regulations avoids penalties and audits.
Potential lawsuits from employees whose data is breached. Demonstrates responsibility, reducing litigation risks.
Financial ConsequencesCost Savings
Costs associated with breach recovery, legal defense, and compensation for damages. Saves money by avoiding breach-related fines, lawsuits, and recovery expenses.
Lost revenue due to damaged reputation and diminished customer trust.Prevents financial fallout from trust erosion and ensures business continuity.
Reputational DamageEnhanced Reputation
Loss of employee trust and public confidence after a breach.Establishes your organization as a reliable, secure employer and partner.
Negative media coverage and public backlash.Builds goodwill with employees, clients, and stakeholders.
Loss of Customers and Business OpportunitiesBusiness Continuity
Partners and customers may take their business elsewhere due to security concerns.A secure environment ensures smooth operations and sustained growth.
Fewer future collaborations due to a tarnished image.Strengthens trust with current and potential partners or customers.
Operational DisruptionIncreased Productivity
Data breaches disrupt workflows and demand time and resources to resolve.Employees work confidently in a secure system without fear of data loss or theft.
Focus shifts from growth initiatives to damage control.Allows more focus on innovation and business expansion.

Ten Best Practices to Protect your employees' sensitive data

More than just a smart business move, protecting the private information of your employees is a duty that fosters trust and protects your company from potential dangers including breaches, fines, and harm to your reputation. Let’s see if you can keep them safe.

1. Tighten Access Controls

Not everyone in your company needs access to every file. The fewer people who can view sensitive data, the less likely it is to be exposed.

Here’s how you can control access:

2. Encrypt Everything

Data breaches in 2024 cost organizations approximately $4.88 million. This marks the highest average per-record data breach financial loss as far back as this report’s availability.

Consider encryption as the key to your very own safe and box. That data is of little consequence if a would-be attacker intercepted it unless there is access to that encryption key. Here’s how it helps:

Speak with an expert: If you’re unsure about the ideal encryption technique, hire a security professional to help you come up with a solution.
Encryption may be easily included into your process with a product like Fidelis DLP, guaranteeing that all sensitive data is kept safe.

Strengthen Your Network Against Data Loss

Discover how Fidelis Network® DLP can enhance your security strategy by blocking data breaches before they happen.

3. Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Tools

Malicious software like viruses, malware, and ransomware can sneak into your system through innocent-looking emails or downloads. Once inside, these threats can wreak havoc.

To stay ahead of threats:

4. Create Clear Security Policies

Technology is only as effective as the people using it. Clear policies give your team the guidelines they need to follow.

Here are some policies to consider:

Employee-Sensitive-Data-Protection

5. Appoint a Data Security Champion

Having someone in charge of data security ensures accountability and consistency in your efforts.

Here’s what they can do:

If your company is growing, this role can be invaluable in keeping your sensitive data secure.

6. Back Up Everything

Data loss can stem from breaches, system failures, or accidents, making backups essential for recovery.

To establish an effective backup strategy:

Implement Dual Backups

Automate Backup Schedule

Test Backup Restorations

Pro Tip: Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools like Fidelis DLP can safeguard your backup systems, maintaining their security.

7. Secure Mobile Devices

With the increase in remote work, securing mobile devices is crucial.

To protect them:

8. Monitor Network Activity

Keeping an eye on your network can help you spot and stop suspicious activity before it causes damage.

Here’s what to do:

Protecting Employee Data
Want to Future-Proof Your DLP Strategy? Get Insights for Smart Data Protection

Topics that’ll be covered inside:

9. Prepare for Security Incidents

Despite your best efforts, breaches can occur. Being prepared is crucial. Your incident response plan should include:

10. Collaborate with Experts

Bringing in professionals can be a wise move. Cybersecurity experts can:

It is no longer just about preventing a breach, but about embedding a security culture into everyday activities. With the right tools in place, such as Fidelis DLP, and coupled with policy and education that should be clearly taught, this builds a robust defense against losing data.

Start today and make protecting your data a cornerstone of your organization’s success.

Frequently Ask Questions

Why protect employee data?

Employee data has sensitive personal data, including some of the things that employees fear most: a Social Security number, health history, and sometimes financial information. Prevent identity theft, show legal compliance, and maintain a level of employee trust in an organization by protecting such data.

What typical threats exist for employee data?

Weak passwords, unsecured devices, and inadequate employee training accelerate the risks of ransomware, phishing, data leaks, and unauthorized access.

How can a company safeguard confidential employee information?

Role-based access, data encryption, antivirus software, cybersecurity training for staff members, and explicit data protection guidelines are all part of this.

About Author

Srestha Roy

Srestha is a cybersecurity expert and passionate writer with a keen eye for detail and a knack for simplifying intricate concepts. She crafts engaging content and her ability to bridge the gap between technical expertise and accessible language makes her a valuable asset in the cybersecurity community. Srestha's dedication to staying informed about the latest trends and innovations ensures that her writing is always current and relevant.

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