The Role of Compliance in Avoiding a Breach

Understanding how each part of your business contributes to compliance is key in ensuring the right staff are involved at the appropriate time. Frequent communication about compliance and keeping the topic top of mind helps reinforce its importance to employees.

As critical as understanding the impact of compliance is for a business, it is just as critical to grasp the role of compliance in avoiding a breach. Compliance is a first line of defense for companies in protecting data and sensitive information. Let's take a closer look.

Create and execute data protection policies

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Data is a driving force in many organizations and the amount of data handled and its level of sensitivity can vary across companies and industries. What should be a constant in all companies is a data protection policy. Data must be classified and policies around data handling, retention, and procedures should be outlined. If these policies are in place and adhered to, it helps mitigate the risk of a data breach.

Determine and manage data access

It might seem like common sense that highly sensitive information should be protected and not easily accessible to employees who have no reason to access it. When dealing with data of any kind, it is imperative to set boundaries on who can see or access it as well as implement procedures to understand when, where, why, and how data is being used.

Continuously evaluate data protection policies

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Data security is not a "set it and forget it" concept; it needs constant attention and evaluation. Revisit your data compliance policies frequently to ensure they align with business goals and adhere to changes or adjustments in the law. Managing data risk on an ongoing basis helps your business stay ahead of and avoid any potential breaches or data missteps.

Adhering to established data policies is a step in the right direction to avoiding a data breach. Having a thorough understanding of data access and management will limit the risk of data getting into the wrong hands or being used for purposes which it was not intended.

The technology experts at AJTC can help your business protect itself from a data breach. Contact AJTC today to learn more about IT security and other services. You may also visit AJTC here or call708.942.8200.