You can't walk out of your home without checking the lock twice; how can you be lenient when it comes to the crucial information of your precious customers? Hence, when we say data security matters, we aren't just stating the obvious but asserting the most crucial aspect of digital space, ensuring platforms dealing in customer data don't have their keys in hackers' hands.
Let's understand why data security should be the prime focus of Lead management software.
But before that, let's know what data security stands for.
Data Security: No Compromise Zone!
Customer information, such as data on demographics, transaction history, communication choices, and sales numbers. etc., is quite sensitive for any business venture and often exposed to various risks and security problems, jeopardizing its integrity and confidentiality. Data security is mainly the assortment of practices and regulations that protect critical information like this from getting robbed, corrupted, or lost in a business setup.
But what are the risks and threats that can harm a company's data setup, especially in lead management software?
Let's know them all.
Common Data Threats or Risks You Must Be Aware of
In the business world, you are constantly walking on a tightrope as there is always a competition to cut you through. It's imperative to shield your assets first to avoid giving them a break-in. Here, staying alert to various kinds of risks and threats is essential as it can have severe consequences on your business morally, ethically, and legally.
Cyber Intrusions
These are deliberate infiltrations by cyber criminals, also known as hackers, to steal crucial information after detecting loopholes in the software to disrupt smooth operations in the business. There are many ways these smart hackers can enter your system, such as SQL injections (this happens when there is a dialogue on the web where a customer is asked to share their input, like user id, and the hacker adds a malicious code to enter your database and then destroy it) brute force attack (here hacker try multiple login credentials in the hope of getting one right to enter your system), etc. It is better to be well-versed by them to know how to stop them.
Malware
It is a malicious program or file that is designed to deliberately harm a computer, server, or network, hampering or sometimes erasing the crucial data available there. Malware consists of viruses, worms, Trojan horses, etc. When successfully executed, it can cause data exfiltration, service disruption or, most crucial, identity theft.
Phishing
It is the practice of sending false emails or other forms of contact to target customers to lure them for fraud by clicking on malicious links or exposing their crucial details. The communication is designed to appear as if it came from a reputable source. If the victim is duped, they are coerced into disclosing sensitive information, often on a fake website.
Many internal factors contribute to the data theft, including,
Employee Negligence
Sometimes, employees unintentionally compromise the cyber security of crucial software, leading to its exposure to hackers or leakage of information. Some noted negligence is employees using weak passwords, sharing login credentials, leaving their devices open or unlocked, or connecting to the system via unprotected networks or devices.
Deliberate Betrayal
Sometimes, employees deliberately give away the crucial data secrets to others for a personal grudge, to prove a point, to abuse privilege, and while joining the competition.
Understanding these seen and unseen dangers is critical for building strong security measures and preventing CRM data breaches.
How Do You Keep the Data Threats at Bay in a Lead Management Software?
Imply Strict Access Control
When you know the threat, it's time you take it down before it takes you down. So, how do we do that? Start implementation of stricter rules of control when it comes to data access in the lead management system. Only a limited number of trustworthy employees should have access to the system. Keep changing the codes to limit the ingress. Also, ensure the employees who have left the company fill a confidentiality bond so they do not dwell on crucial data to others.
Most importantly, keep information access per the specified roles. For example, your sales team should have access to customer information and sales statistics, whilst your marketing team may require access to lead information to develop marketing plans.
Encrypt Crucial "Lead" Data
Another way to ensure the safety of your exclusive lead management data is to use encryption techniques, which are quite popular these days. Techniques like SSL/TLS secure sensitive data both at rest and during transit. It functions as an impenetrable programming, ensuring that even if unauthorized individuals gain access to your data, they will be unable to read it. Here, the role of VPN (Virtual Private Network) cannot be understated.
Regular Data Backups
It is advisable to secure your important leads' data details in an offsite location that is not exposed to many. This is like casting a safety net in the wake of a breach, system failure, or unintended data loss.
Don't Hold up to Unnecessary Data
Not all data is relevant over time in the lead management platform. There's always a time to let go, including cold leads. Hence, go for specific data retention policies to marginalize the time period of retention of all data types. It helps the company dispose of potential risks.
Establish IT Infrastructure
You should be able to establish a good IT infrastructure that can handle instant data breaches head-on and provide a solution. To secure your lead management software from external attacks, consider using comprehensive network security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software.
Cyber Security Sessions for Employees
Hold expert seminars or training programs to teach your staff about the importance of data security, the importance of choosing strong passwords, secure login habits, prevalent cybersecurity threats, and best practices for handling safe data. Request that they report any suspicions of wrongdoing to limit the potential for further damage.
Choose a Trusted Company
If you are outsourcing lead management software, always go for a credible company that prioritizes data security like you. Know their track record and evaluate their way of working, including two-way authentication, data encryption, and data audit functionalities.
Finally
As per the last point, you don't need to look further. BUOPSO is here to take care of all your security worries and convert them into confidence with its exceptional services and commitment to data security. Now, you are well-versed with the importance of data security along with the ways you can stop cyber breaches from happening. Shake hands with the company that is already done with its homework. Trust us; you will be happy to have BUOPSO experts on your side.
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