Today I have no broadband. There is a fault somewhere, which is taking time to rectify. It is a stark reminder to anyone in business that we place a huge reliance on data and our access to it. Lose that access and your effectiveness and reach is stifled. Access though, is but one area to monitor, manage and review periodically.
Customers, finances, marketing and social media, all of that data is the lifeblood of your business. Without responsible management of it then it is difficult to see how any business can function. Maybe then it is time to revisit the raft of issues and responsibilities that are associated with data. Remembering that you are its custodian.
Some issues to consider
Access – Do you control access to your business data? It is often not necessary for everyone in your business to see all the data you have. Think segmentation.
Business need – Do you really have a requirement for every piece of data you hold? Is it necessary to retain it? Have you got justification for doing so? If not then, securely delete it. Weeding your unnecessary data is a core business function.
Location – Have you entrusted your business data to a third party? Have you been given assurances that it is secure? Don’t think for a minute that you relinquish responsibility by letting someone else take care of it.
Security – Data is a valuable asset and something that criminals prize highly. If you lose data, or, lose access to it because of breach then you have significant problems to deal with. Reputational damage, customer loss and fines are just some of those issues. Data security is multi-layered and extends beyond cyber.
At Intelect Group, data is our speciality. For example, if you have a need to find better online data, we can help you with training and solutions. If you have a data compliance related issue, we can help you with consultancy. If you have a data or cyber related security issue, we can help you with technology and training.
Finally, if you want to know how to get the best out of data, then we can help with that with a partner that conducts analysis.
You can be assured that our advice comes from years of experience. Please feel free to get in touch.
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