Protect Yourself From Online Scams
Potential causes for a data breach
A data breach can occur when an unauthorized person gains access to the information stored in your computer or mobile device. The most common cause of a data breach involves employee negligence, such as leaving their laptop unattended on public transport, downloading sensitive les from company networks without authorization, or failing to secure personal devices at home properly.
Data breach regulations
Several industry guidelines and government compliance regulations mandate strict controls of sensitive information and personal data to avoid data breaches.
No specific regulations govern the protection of intellectual property. However, the consequences of that type of data being breached can lead to significant legal disputes and regulatory compliance issues.
Data breach notification laws
The European Union has passed legislation requiring organizations in Europe to report any security incident within 72 hours and provide information to affected individuals. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services requires healthcare providers to notify patients if an unauthorized person’s personal health information is compromised. In addition, HIPAA mandates notification when personally identifiable medical records have been accessed without authorization. These laws apply only to entities covered under them; however, many states also require similar notifications from other businesses.
How to prevent data breaches
Preventing data breaches starts with understanding what constitutes a data breach. A data breach occurs when there has been some form of exposure to personally identifiable information. This could mean exposing unencrypted passwords, email messages containing confidential information, or even having employees share their logins.
Once you know how your company collects, stores, and processes data, it becomes easier to identify potential vulnerabilities.
1. Track App Usage
Monitor the usage of applications to know which apps are being used in your classes and schools. According to research, only 6% of the apps being used by schools are known and approved by the school district, meaning that district leaders have not vetted 94% of the web-based tools being used by teachers and students.
2. Do Your Research
Thoroughly vet any vendor’s claims about data privacy and the steps they take to keep it safe. Read the fine language. Request everything in writing. This really should be included and stated clearly in your service-level agreement (SLA).
3. Know Their Data Policies
Make sure you know exactly what each vendor does with your data. For example, do they sell it to third parties? Do they destroy it when you stop using their service?
4. Understand Their Data Breach Plans
Request vendors share their policies regarding a data breach on their end. What steps do they have in place to ensure your data is protected in the event of a breach?
These are some of the tips you have to remember and use it, have safe use of applications and websites!!