How Business Intel Tools Can Protect Customer Data

Because you can’t always turn to an expert in times of trouble and crisis, there are strategies you can turn to protect confidential customer information from getting in the wrong hands.

Beyond a good customer service experience, customers seek out businesses whose owners are credible and trustworthy, will safeguard their personal information, and stay up on the latest trends. In the computing world, these attributes are essential to stave off spyware, malware and phishing schemes.

But, because you can’t always turn to an expert in times of trouble and crisis, there are strategies you can turn to protect confidential customer information from getting in the wrong hands. Here’s a look at the best data security products on the market, and why using them promotes customer trust and loyalty.

Antivirus Software

Antivirus software serves as the first wall of defense against malicious software and hackers. With so many options out there, however, which are the best for small- and moderate-sized businesses? Many antivirus software systems, such as Bitdefender, offer businesses specific packages and discounts for mutli-seat (multi-device) subscriptions. Bitdefender offers subscriptions for up to 50 devices. Other antivirus software packages that offer business options include AVG and ESET, all of which provide remote management and evolving protection.

A Culture of Protection

Employees are commonly the weakest link in your data security. Whether by accessing personal email or authorized websites, employees often open a company’s network to malicious viruses and scams. That’s why it’s important to educate your employees on the dangers of different scams. Trojan horses, phishing schemes and malware are in a constant state of evolution.

While some antivirus software can limit employee access to vulnerable networks at their workstations, a mutual trust must be established as well. Set a precedent that dictates personal Internet use must be kept off company networks at all times. Furthermore, you may want to keep customer and company data off employees’ devices that they take home. Any data stored on these devices could be compromised if the employee’s home data security isn’t robust.

Cloud Storage

Keep customer and business data on a trusted cloud storage network. With unlimited servers and military-grade cyber security, Mozy is one of the most reliable and secure cloud storage services on the market. For companies that require just a few endpoints or even hundreds, Mozy can scale with your business. Mozy also offers emergency backup for your data storage. Of course, Mozy isn’t the only cloud storage and backup service. CrashPlan, Carbonite and BackBlaze are all leading competitors as well.

Virtual Private Networks

A virtual private network makes it impossible for a hacker or malicious software to track your computer. That’s because VPNs can create an encrypted network for each of your company computers. It’s like having a tunnel between your computer and the VPN service, which nobody can use or even see. This tunnel masks your true IP address from prying eyes.

Most VPN services let you choose where your IP address is masked. When you pick a VPN service, make sure you understand its privacy features and policies. Many VPN services have free options with substantially slimmed down capabilities. There are some drawbacks to these security programs, as they tend to slow down your download speed. However, IPVanish VPN tested high in maintained performance, while Private Internet Access VPN has a minimalist approach, which tries not to impact performance. Indeed, a VPN is essential if your company provides take-home devices for employees.