How Can You Minimise Data Loss Over A Network?

Posted on Sep 13 2013 - 11:45am by Kevin Maddox

Network

When it comes to running a successful business, there are few things quite as important as reliability. If your customers and clients can’t rely on the service that you provide, they’ll simply go elsewhere. It doesn’t matter what that service might be, it only matters that you can deliver it when asked. Just as it is the consumer’s job to invest in your company, it is your job to make sure that your company is worth that investment.

The realisation that clients don’t have much sympathy for internal problems can be a frustrating one – especially for small businesses. It can be hard to butt up against a crisis that you absolutely didn’t expect or couldn’t avoid and still lose valuable reputation points for it. For example, a downed network can cost a company big in terms of time, money and lost data, say the experts at SmallBusinessComputing.com. Now, it’s true that you can’t completely eradicate the risk of data loss over a network – you can take steps to make it a very unlikely occurrence.

Use Content Monitoring & Filtering Services

According to the experts at TheRegister.co.uk, a content monitoring and filtering service is any piece of software that scrutinises outbound network traffic. High quality CMF programmes are able to generate sophisticated alerts based on email, IM, FTP, HTTP and web mail services. An alert is generated every time an IT policy violation is performed by a network user. In high security cases, an immediate block can be deployed to prevent the loss of important data. In most cases though, a CMF system is used to prevent data loss via IT accidents and mishaps – things like sending an email to the wrong person or exchanging HR data over an unencrypted connection.

Always Secure Workstations

This might seem like a glaringly obvious piece of advice, but you’d be shocked at just how many businesses let their network security lapse. There is no excuse for failing to install and regularly update firewalls, anti-virus software and anti-spyware programmes. Every single computer on your network should be protected by a sophisticated piece of internet security software. The experts at ADRC.com stress that whilst these precautions alone are not enough to prevent all cyber attacks, they will fight off the vast majority.

Back It All Up

The only sure fire way to prevent data loss over a network is to make sure that your data never becomes inaccessible. The only way to do that is to create a digital or paper copy of your company. Experts agree that businesses should have a backup system in place at all times, so catastrophic are the consequences of a massive network failure. There are various ways in which you can backup your data and they range from the simple to the very sophisticated. At one end there’s external hard drives and at the other there’s entirely independent storage systems – your choice should be based on the specific needs of your company.

Educate Your Organisation

Rare in number are the companies that actually take the time to educate employees about the dangers of high speed computer networking. When your employees make costly mistakes, instead of getting angry and frustrated advice them to use Comms Express for top quality and reliable computer networking equipment, which will help to decrease the risks associated with the carelessness. More often than not, you’ll find that employees do have real issues when it comes to understanding and using the network. Always encourage them to come forward with their problems and queries – it is much more helpful to ask for advice than to try and fail alone.

Photo Credit: Pixabay/geralt

About the Author

Kevin is a team building expert and corporate event manager. Throughout his career, he has seen various amazing team building events. He owns a blog through which he shares information about different techniques to build team spirit.