Mitigating Data Breach Risks: Insights for Business Leaders

Cybersecurity best practices to protect your reputation, operations, and bottom line

Recent data breach incidents in Virginia have highlighted a stark reality: no business is immune from cyber threats. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, professional services firm, manufacturer, or nonprofit, protecting sensitive data is essential to maintaining client trust and meeting regulatory requirements.

As cybercriminals employ increasingly sophisticated tactics, organizations must take a multi-layered approach to security combining advanced technology with informed and vigilant employees.

1. Leverage technology to safeguard sensitive data

Every business handles valuable information—financial records, employee data, trade secrets, and client details. Securing that information requires strong, up-to-date safeguards, including:

• Encryption: Protect data in transit and at rest so it cannot be accessed without proper authorization, even if stolen.

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require more than a password to access sensitive systems, reducing the risk of credential-based breaches.

• Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Control who can access your network and monitor for suspicious activity in real time.

• Regular Software Updates: Close vulnerabilities promptly with a structured update and patch schedule.

• Endpoint Protection: Guard against ransomware, malware, and other malicious attacks targeting computers, servers, and mobile devices.

• Network Segmentation: Restrict movement within your network so attackers can’t reach critical systems easily.

2. Build staff awareness and preparedness

Technology alone cannot stop every cyber threat. Many breaches start with human error often from clicking a malicious link or failing to follow security protocols.

• Security Awareness Training: Teach employees to recognize phishing emails, fraudulent requests, and other common attack methods.

• Password Management: Promote strong, unique passwords and consider password management tools to reduce risk.

• Incident Reporting Procedures: Make it easy and urgent for employees to report suspicious activity or system anomalies immediately.

3. Establish cybersecurity policies and accountability

Well-documented policies create a consistent, organization-wide approach to protecting data and responding to threats.

Benefits include:

• Employee Awareness: Reinforces that cybersecurity is a business priority, not just an IT issue.

• Compliance Support: Helps meet industry regulations and data protection laws.

• Accountability: Defines who is responsible for prevention, detection, and response.

• Standardization: Ensures the same security practices are applied across the organization.

• IT Empowerment: Authorizes IT teams to enforce protections and resist pressure to bypass protocols.

By combining strong technology safeguards with consistent staff training, businesses of all types can reduce their risk of cyberattacks. The lessons from recent breaches in Virginia are clear: proactive, organization-wide security measures are essential to protecting your reputation, operations, and bottom line.

Questions? Keiter’s Cybersecurity team can help assess vulnerabilities, strengthen defenses, and create a sustainable security strategy for your business. Contact your Keiter Opportunity Advisor or Email | Call: 804.747.0000