Information technology security tops the list of any company’s priority. More so, when you have just taken baby steps into an entrepreneurial world and want to keep your business virus free, hacker free or free from any unforeseeable situations. 

With constant breakthroughs in technology, small-business owners are now widely leveraging data back-up practices to make sure they can effectively and economically retrieve their data. 

Here is a plan that will help you safeguard your small business data in more ways than one.

1. Automate your back up or else face dire consequences
   

   Irrespective of the fact whether you are a freelancer or a 20-person start-up firm, automating your back-up is the undisputable way to get all company information on your fingertips.
   
   You can take the external/off site back-up route or internal/onsite back-up route or simply buy a heavy terabytes hard drive and back it up in case of any unforeseen emergencies.
   
   Many freeware tools provide a combination of cloud storage or create back-up using your own devices (external hard disks network devices, other computers) and help in providing a scheduling backup. These back-ups are best suited for small business owners who cannot afford a lengthy in-house IT team. Many free back-up softwares also have great features and come handy in backing up registry files, files and folders, email accounts, IM conversations, browser data or system drives. However, always choose your tool based on your OS, needs, and budget.
   
   

2. Disaster-Proof your data
   

   One just cannot predict the time for disasters, be it earthquakes, floods, or man-made disasters – anything can wreak havoc on your budding business, if not properly safeguarded. An increasingly cost effective and safe storage method used by small companies is the cloud-back up or cloud computing method. It allows you to back-up, sync and access your data across multiple devices as long as they have internet capability. Companies such as Dropbox, Box.net, Carbonite, SugarSync and Symantec are few popular providers in this segment. Again, these backups are best suited for business owners who cannot afford an extended in-house team
   
   

3. Maintain firewalls, use content and spam filters judiciously
   

   Installing a good quality firewall ensures that your data is blocked, keeping intruders and hackers from accessing your valuable business data. It is recommended to install an appliance for firewall, instead of getting softwares because hardwired firewalls can be neatly placed between the internet and your data, alarming you as soon as any hacker tries to breach your network.
   
   

   By employing content filters you can protect yourself and your employees from entering websites that are seemingly harmful. They also enable a productive work environment by limiting accessibility to certain websites only.
   
   

   Apart from this, always install an anti-virus software on your computer to protect your data from viruses, thus securing the integrity and speed of your computer.
   
   

4. Make certain your backups are protected and compliant
   

   In today’s global economy, you need to make the service provider or organization you choose as your vendors have adequate controls or safeguards present while hosting or processing your data. Companies such as SAS 70, SOX, and GLBA conform to industry-established compliance practices, adhering to pre-determined set of control objectives and regulations.
   
   

   You can also get your employee’s mobile devices backed up, as unprotected data on mobile devices can put your firm at a great risk, especially in case of a natural disaster or a laptop/tablet being lost or stolen. This is especially recommended for employees who use mobile devices on the go for official purposes.
   
   

   Data loss can often cost more than just a loss of information for your clients and business associates; it can in fact pose serious threats to the seamless continuity of your business. Embrace the above mentioned planning tips as protection of your data is well worth the effort!
   
   

Disclaimer: Any services and/or Companies mentioned here-in are for reference only. We do not recommend any services and/or Companies and are not liable for any actions or consequences arising from the use of such services.