Security of information is one of the most important aspects of running a business. Information governance policies are the most effective option to protect yourself from cyberattacks or security incidents, whether you’re an F500 company of a hyper-growth startup. These procedures block unauthorized view access to crucial systems and data, limit the possibility of data loss or theft and allow businesses to quickly recover from security incidents.
The fundamental principle of security of information is to protect confidentiality. This means ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive information and that they do not divulge or share it. In certain situations, this could be legally required (e.g. FERPA for student records). It’s also essential to ensure that the integrity of information is protected and that it remains available even when access is restricted.
Protecting integrity includes establishing the proper controls for your software, systems and access to users. For instance, it’s vital to have a proper IT asset management to ensure that any unneeded software is removed from the system and that the organization is in compliance with its licensing agreements. It’s also essential to establish secure systems for physical and digital backups of data.
Information protection helps organizations to establish trust with their users and customers. For instance, a business that is renowned for its efficiency in managing personal data is more likely to keep its customers and also attract new ones.