Editor’s Note: This article was published in 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness as of October 2020.
Security includes two primary components:
- identifying unauthorized users who may have access to your systems, and
- protecting your information and preventing those users from accessing it.
By having strong protections in place, you can protect your data in case of accidental or intentional destruction or disclosure. Because in a world where technology is in everything we do, it is becoming increasingly important to maintain data safety. So, securing your business can be approached by addressing three main areas: technical, physical, and administrative.
Technical Security
Technical security includes the tools used to protect your digital assets. A common example of this would be authentication techniques that only allow certain individuals access to sensitive information. With this type of protection, you can detect technical failures and offer solutions to issues such as cyberhacking. Creating a technical security system allows you to safeguard all of your data on your computers and other digital devices.
Physical Security
The second type of security is physical. This entails protecting facilities, personnel, and resources from unauthorized users. Whether it be protection from natural disasters or burglars, physical security allows you to have systems in place that offer employees peace of mind and create a safe environment for all. This type of protection should involve a foolproof access control system that prevents any unapproved individuals from entering the system. Also, it should include surveillance and notification systems to ensure that IT personnel can accurately and effectively detect suspicious activity.
Administrative Controls
The final type of security is what you use to control employee data and accessibility. Administrative controls allow you to define appropriate user behavior and create training programs for employees. Because you have these guidelines in place, you can teach employees how to recognize potentially harmful situations and avoid any network risks that may arise.
Conclusion
Protecting your network from harm isn’t a one-dimensional affair. There are many facets that go into how your system is protected and why. Because of this, the three most important types of security — physical, technical, and administrative — are crucial to protecting the integrity of your data, your personnel, and your company. If you invest in all three, you will decrease the likelihood of any users presenting a real threat to your systems.
If you have any further questions about your network protections, or what SUCCESS Computer Consulting can do for your business, contact us at 763-593-3000.