Technology and safety

Understanding tech security in the time that it takes to read a child’s bedtime story

Just like tucking in your child and reading them a story before bed helps them feel safe at night, understanding the measures you can take to make technology safer will give your business more security and stability.

In the next five minutes, we’ll help you understand tech security, common tech security measures and how to maintain these systems in your business.

Technology can go a long way towards helping simplify success for your business, but it can be compromised unless you take the right precautions.

Making sure you have tech security measures in place will help you sleep like a baby knowing that your business technologies are being protected.

What is tech security?

Tech security is all about how you protect your business against internet thieves. These hackers are usually looking for sensitive data and information, which they can use to make money.

Most forms of tech security will work on an authentication principle, where users verify their identity before they can use certain programs.

Tech security consists of many elements, including:

• Cyber security and investigation, including protecting against malware and ransomware
• Security architecture for software applications
• IT security strategy
• Network authentication management
• Specialised engineered solutions for organisational security

The level of tech security a business needs will vary depending on the size of the business and what the business does. For example, a plumbing business will have different tech security needs to an investment bank.

But two of the most common types of tech security that most businesses will use are passwords and data encryption.

Passwords

Passwords are a series of letters and characters that lets someone use specific devices or programs, as well as access physical or online spaces.

They also prevent unverified users from accessing these technologies.

When it comes to creating strong passwords to protect sensitive information in your business, here are three things to consider:

1. Make them unique

The more unique the password, the harder it will be for other people to steal it.

2. Use numbers, question marks and hash marks

Use a variety of characters in your password. That makes it more difficult for other people to learn or guess your password.

3. Use different passwords for each application or technology

Having different passwords means that if someone steals one of them, they won’t be able to get into other secure areas of your business.

Need more tips? We’ve put some together for you here.

Data encryption

Data encryption translates data into another form, or code, so that only people with access to a decryption key or password can read it.

Much like passwords, data encryption protects sensitive and confidential data from being stolen.

Data encryption technologies typically use algorithms to run security initiatives, such as:

• User authentication: which prevents unauthorised people from accessing data
• Data integrity: which prevents data from being changed or copied
• Nonrepudiation activities: which proves that people had knowledge or gave their consent when it comes to things like contract disputes.

You should consider sourcing data encryption technologies for your business if:

• You deal with sensitive financial information online, such as bank accounts, securities and credit card information
• Your business keeps personal information about your clients, such as any health-related activities, or beauty and physical therapies
• You have valuable intellectual property, such as new designs or patents

Tips for promoting and maintaining tech security in your business

Promoting a culture of tech security in your business can help keep your business safe. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Invest in the right tech security measures

Whether they be security software or best practice policies, invest in setting up a tech security system to protect your business.

2. Make your staff aware of their obligations

Tech security is everyone’s responsibility.

Make tech security training or awareness a part of your business’ code of conduct for employees, so they know how to use business technology safely.

3. Review your tech security measure regularly

Just like any other business system, your tech security system will need reviewing and updating as the needs of your business grow and change. This will help keep your tech security measures relevant.

There are a few other things that we think you should do to protect your business that we’ve written about more here.

Top 3 takeaways

1. Tech security is about using technology safely and protecting sensitive data in your business.
2. Passwords and data encryption are two common tech security measures that many businesses use.
3. You can promote and maintain tech security in your business by investing in a tech security system, making all your employees aware of their obligations in maintaining that system and reviewing it regularly.

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