Protecting Business Data: Best Practices for IT Security Management

Form a solid security strategy to keep your organization safe from online threats.

Data security is a critical concern for businesses and nonprofits handling sensitive client information and confidential organizational data. With cyber threats on the rise, it’s crucial to implement robust IT security management practices.

Let’s explore the best practices for IT security management and highlight the security services and software offered by industry-leading companies such as Microsoft, IDAgent, Meraki, Barracuda, VMWare, and Sophos.

Discuss your options with the Sovran team at (651) 686-0515 or fill out our contact form.

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Have a Comprehensive Security Strategy

To keep your organization’s data safe, you need a solid security strategy. Here are some key practices.

Endpoint Protection: Use solutions like Microsoft Defender Antivirus to shield individual devices from malware and ransomware.
Email Security: Make the most of Microsoft 365’s advanced email security features to block phishing attacks, spam, and malware from landing in employees’ inboxes.
Network Security: Deploy next-generation firewalls from Meraki and Barracuda to protect your network’s perimeter. These firewalls offer intrusion prevention, content filtering, and application control capabilities.

Educate Staff on Cybersecurity Awareness

Mistakes happen, and human error can lead to security breaches. Regularly train your staff to raise their cybersecurity awareness. Teach them how to spot and handle suspicious emails, links, or attachments. Sovran offers Security Awareness Training (SAT) and simulated phishing attacks to help you educate your employees effectively.

Keep Software Updated

Outdated software is an open invitation for hackers. Ensure all software, including operating systems, applications, and security tools, is up to date with the latest patches and security updates. Companies like Microsoft and VMWare regularly release updates to address vulnerabilities and enhance security features.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Add an extra layer of protection by implementing MFA across all accounts and systems. Microsoft’s Azure Multi-Factor Authentication integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 and other apps to provide robust authentication.

Secure Remote Access

Remote work is becoming more common, so secure remote access is essential. Use virtual private network (VPN) solutions like Meraki and VMWare to create encrypted connections between remote users and your network. This ensures secure data transmission and guards against unauthorized access.

Monitor Dark Web Exposure

The dark web is a shady place where cyber criminals trade stolen data. Keep an eye on it with IDAgent. It scans the dark web for compromised credentials tied to your organization, allowing you to take proactive measures to protect your data and prevent unauthorized access. Sovran is an Agent Partner with IDAgent.

Backup and Disaster Recovery

Back up your critical data regularly to a secure location and test the recovery process. VMWare provides reliable backup and disaster recovery solutions that automate data protection and ensure quick restoration in case of data loss or system failures.

Data Encryption

Encrypt sensitive data at rest and in transit. Microsoft offers BitLocker encryption for Windows devices and Azure Information Protection for securing data in the cloud.

Continuous Threat Monitoring

Stay on top of emerging threats with advanced threat detection and monitoring solutions like Sophos Intercept X. These tools use AI and machine learning algorithms to detect and block potential security breaches in real-time.