In an era where everything is digitized, securing NPI (nonpublic information) has become a significant concern for companies. As organizations shift toward digital information management systems, cybersecurity threats continue to increase. Hence, the need for enhanced NPI security measures in the digital age has become more critical than ever.
Here are some tips to help you secure NPI in the digital age.
1. Limit Data Access
Limit the number of people who can access sensitive NPI to the barest minimum. Every piece of information you share is another potential security risk. Allowing too many people to access information increases the probability of a data breach. Thus, companies should only give access to employees who are authorized to view the information and have valid reasons for doing so.
2. Use Strong Passwords
Using strong passwords is essential in securing NPI. Encourage employees to create complex passwords that are difficult to guess or hack. Passwords should be a minimum of eight characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Employees should avoid using personal information, dictionary words, or common combinations such as ‘1234’ as passwords.
3. Use Encryption
Encryption is one of the most effective ways to secure NPI. Encryption involves encoding messages to prevent third parties from reading them. All data containing NPI, including emails, should be encrypted to avoid interception.
4. Implement Multifactor Authentication
Multifactor authentication (MFA) is an additional layer of security that requires users to provide two or more forms of identification before accessing sensitive data. This authentication process mitigates the risks of unauthorized access, thereby ensuring increased data security.
5. Keep Software Updated
Companies should install software patches and updates regularly to protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities. Outdated software is an easy target for cybercriminals, hence the need to keep the software updated at all times.
6. Provide Security Training
Regular cybersecurity training is necessary to create a security-conscious workforce. Employees should be educated on the importance of NPI security, how to identify suspicious emails, phishing scams, and malware. This knowledge can help prevent data breaches or other cybersecurity threats.
In summary, keeping NPI secure in the digital age requires an integrated approach that involves data access limitation, using strong passwords, encryption, multifactor authentication, software updates, and employee cybersecurity training. By implementing these measures, companies can mitigate the risks of security incidents and safeguard sensitive information.
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