What Is Secure Data Storage? 8 Smart Ways to Secure Data

Secure data storage goes beyond simply keeping information safe from unauthorized access. It also ensures data integrity and availability to prevent corruption or loss of critical information. Additionally, it involves implementing additional security procedures such as encryption, access controls, and regular testing of backups.

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The Importance of Data Storage Security

Ensuring business efficiency includes streamlining data storage security. Such measures are crucial to protect sensitive and confidential data. Given the increasing threats of cyberattacks and breaches, investing in robust data storage can help mitigate risks. It also helps your business adhere to regulatory guidelines while avoiding potential legal violations and fines.

By ensuring secure data storage, you can maintain customer trust, ultimately leading to long-term business success.

8 Proven Ways to Ensure Data Is Stored Securely

Here’s how you can protect and secure your data:

1. Implement strong access controls

Utilizing unique passwords with multi-factor authentication (MFA) can add an extra layer of security to your database. Make sure your passwords are varied, which means they are complex with no common patterns. You can also prevent unauthorized access by adding authentication protocols like sending a code to your registered devices.

2. Employ powerful encryption

With HIPAA-level encryption, you can safeguard data at rest and during transmission. As per HIPAA, organizations must encrypt sensitive data and encode it in such a way that users can only decipher it using the correct decryption key.

3. Keep software up to date

Update your software regularly to safeguard against known and unknown vulnerabilities. This will help address security flaws and exploits before they can even hack into your systems. By conducting regular check-ups and maintenance, you can ensure that your data won’t be compromised.

4. Utilize reliable backup solutions

A secure data backup can prevent data loss in case of a breach or system failure. Businesses must ensure they have copies of data in the cloud, on or off-site. Data backup is a fundamental step in ensuring data security.

5. Leverage secure data centers

When storing and managing data, it pays to have secure data centers located in geographically diverse locations. These facilities must be housed in a controlled, protected environment with advanced physical and digital security measures. For increased data safety, install surveillance systems and only allow authorized personnel to enter the premises.

6. Conduct regular employee training

Nearly 23% of data breaches happen because of human error. Regular training helps orient employees regarding the best practices for securely storing data. It also promotes adherence to regulatory standards and helps maintain consumer confidence.

7. Secure data transmission with Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

Establishing a VPN connection can help organizations protect data while in transit over a public network. It is built with a secure and encrypted connection between the user’s device and a remote server. This move can help mask your IP address and prevent third parties from tracking your online data exchanges.

8. Have detailed audit logs for documentation

Monitor who has access to your data storage with audit logs. Organizations handling PHI must always have a record of individuals who currently view and download data from their systems. This ensures that every user is authorized to access data for the proper and legal reasons. You can do this by enabling real-time alerts or using an audit log for detailed documentation.

Key Features to Look For in a Secure Data Storage Service

Consider the following key features to look for in a secure data storage tool for your business:

Data security: This includes robust security features such as encryption, access controls, and authentication measures.
HIPAA Compliance: Adherence to HIPAA is a specific legal and regulatory requirement for data privacy and security in healthcare. Make sure that your data storage provider can sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) upon request.
Team collaboration: Reliable data storage solutions often provide collaboration features to access and edit data simultaneously.
Remote access: Cloud-based storage solutions offer secure remote access using any device for greater scalability and efficiency.
Data disposal: It’s essential to have secure disposal protocols in place to prevent data leaks. Alongside this feature, your storage must provide redundant backup options for easy recovery.

Maintain Secure Online Data Storage With iFax

iFax offers reliable online fax solutions with secure file storage that syncs with cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive. Using our service to fax documents means boosting productivity and efficiency. You can fax with peace of mind and confidence, knowing your sensitive data remains safe from unauthorized access.

Some of iFax’s security features include: