How to Keep Your Company's Data Out of the Wrong Hands

"In addition to foreign hackers, internal leaks from disgruntled employees exposing sensitive data and accidental exposure can all lead to opportunities for blackmail and extortion. Do you recall the executive meeting where the marketing team shared your latest product research? Ordering a written transcript for executives in the West Coast office seemed like a good idea. Are you certain that the transcription company you hired can ensure that the audio file or completed transcription hasn't fallen into the wrong hands?"

"The burden of safeguarding valuable data weighs heavily on every entrepreneur. Fortunately, there are straightforward steps you and your employees can take to minimize the risk of data theft. Keep sensitive data local If you own or operate a U.S.-based company, keeping sensitive data within U.S. borders is a wise decision. When data is transferred to another country, there is a significant risk of losing the legal protections provided under U.S. laws."

Protecting company data no longer means just physical security measures such as locked drawers and lobby guards. Threats now include foreign hackers, internal leaks from disgruntled employees, accidental exposure, and risks from third-party vendors handling recordings or transcriptions. Transferring data across borders can forfeit U.S. legal protections and expose information to foreign access or subpoenas. Businesses should keep sensitive data within domestic control, limit access on a strict need-to-know basis, and impose higher security and contractual standards on vendors. Implementing these practices reduces risk of blackmail, extortion, and unauthorized disclosure of proprietary information.

Read at Entrepreneur