Knowing What You Have If you don’t have an accurate idea of the data you possess, how can you possibly keep it all protected? Without this information, it becomes far more likely that you will, at some point, experience a breach. Keeping impeccable records of your assets is imperative to avoiding this outcome. These records should contain a comprehensive collection of data in a well-organized and documented format. If your storage architecture could use a bit of a refresh, take advantage of that time to properly build out and implement this strategy. Using a specified architecture makes it much easier to manage the permissions of your users, as well, so it can further boost your data security. These considerations only become more important as you accumulate more and more data, and your team and clients alike entrust you with theirs. Betraying that trust would be a bad look for your business, so you need to be sure that you are subscribing to best practices. Sorting Through Your Data Once you know what you have and where it is kept, you should commit yourself to weeding through it all. How much of the data you’ve collected is really needed to support your business’ operations, and are there alternative methods to consider that might help keep this data safer while accomplishing the same thing? For instance, unless you still need them for business purposes, it isn’t wise to retain customer payment details for any longer than necessary. This just increases the opportunity for this sensitive data to be undermined and stolen. Furthermore, you should also be reexamining who in your business can access what. Different roles will naturally have different responsibilities, each of which will bring different data access requirements. Providing excessive access is opening the door to potential data security issues. Keeping Your Data Safe Finally, you need to make sure that you are prepared to protect the data you collect, which will require a lot. You need to have a predetermined storage strategy, complete with proposed defenses, identifying the devices used to store this data and the access controls to prevent unauthorized users from tampering with it. This goes for both digital versions of your data, as well as any hard copies you have. In case someone manages to breach your defenses and access your data, you need to be capable of identifying the breach at its source and preventing as much damage as possible. This is why we promote the use of both proactive monitoring services and comprehensive backup practices… they can more effectively enable you to bounce back from such a breach. If you would like assistance in implementing these solutions, or want more information about them, don’t hesitate to reach out to SRS Networks. Our team is ready to assist you, you just need to give us a call at (831) 758-3636.
What is Automation? Every office has those menial tasks that nobody wants to take the time to do, but really need to be done at some point. Fortunately, as technology has advanced, so has the capability for these tasks to be completed with minimal human engagement. Automation (technically, business process automation) is simply the use of technology to simplify and minimize the amount of work and attention your human resources need to contribute in order to reach an objective. As automation has received a bit of a bad break as a job killer, it is important to clarify that the kind of automation we generally talk about is intended to lighten the rote responsibilities of your employees, freeing their time to focus on other, more productive tasks and concerns. When used in this way, business process automation can help boost your employees’ job satisfaction, consistency, and efficiency (although the job-killing reputation that automation has garnered might lead to some resistance at first). Not sure how you might put it to use in your operations? We have a few suggestions that you may find intriguing. How to Leverage Automation When all is said and done, automation could conceivably assist with any task. However, we want to focus on the ways that will really provide your business with the most value, so mull over some of these applications (again, just some of your potential opportunities). Customer SupportHow much time is spent answering calls, or emails, or Facebook messages, all asking precisely the same question? Chances are, too much. That’s why many automated customer support options are so useful – they give you an alternative way to provide support that can often resolve your contact’s quandary without involving you or your employees. This kind of vetting reserves your employees’ attention to issues that really require it. ComplianceMany industries are subject to assorted requirements that concern different aspects of their operations, passed down by the government or by the industry itself. Automation allows you to set procedures that meet the prescribed guidelines to appease regulators, saving you from further trouble and effort later. CommunicationThere are a lot of moving parts involved in any business (especially if automation is put in use), so there are going to be certain people who need to be kept in-the-know. These people may be internal resources, or operate outside of the business. This even includes clients and customers. Regardless, automation can help ensure that there is always clear communication, without anyone having to remember to send a message. Naturally, there are far more ways that your business’ operations could be automated behind-the-scenes, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us and discuss what your options might be! Our professionals are here to help. Call (831) 758-3636 today.
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