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Key Takeaways Data security is no longer about locked doors and trusted employees with sets of keys.
In a world where everything is stored in the cloud, offshore labor and AI-powered tools, a single weak link can expose your most sensitive information.
Keeping data local, limiting access on a strict need-to-know basis and holding vendors to higher standards is now mandatory for every business.
It wasn’t long ago that protecting your company’s data meant locking your desk drawer and reminding the lobby security guard to check the doors during his evening rounds. Today, however, our concerns extend beyond just the security guard or an enterprising thief.
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.
The location of your company data determines who can legally access or subpoena it. Where a company’s data centers are physically located is typically not a random decision. Most companies strategically choose such locations based on factors that may include regulatory requirements, proximity to users, data volume and the provider’s global infrastructure.
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