Data privacy is a major concern for Canadians. According to a 2024 survey by Interac, a leading interbank network, 77% of Canadians believe their personal data is “more exposed than ever”. Furthermore, just 40% of respondents had confidence in their ability to protect their online information.
Any company that wants to ensure data privacy has various options to choose from, but handling this complex issue in-house can be difficult. Working with a managed IT services provider offers a simpler, more practical solution. In this post, we’ll explore four key reasons why.
But first, we’ll start by explaining why data privacy matters.
Why is Data Privacy Important?
Businesses on all scales must take data privacy seriously to maintain trust and loyalty. If customers have any reason to question the privacy of their data, whether due to reports of a cyber attack or questionable data-handling within the company, they have good reason to take their business elsewhere.
But data privacy is also critical to comply with the latest regulations and prevent potentially fraudulent activity that may occur if bad actors acquire sensitive data.
Companies that fail to comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) face potentially huge fines. That can also have a lasting negative impact on a business’s reputation, leading to further lost revenue down the line.
How Do Managed IT Services Maintain Data Privacy?
Businesses the world over are outsourcing IT to external specialists, rather than using an in-house team. This offers a wide range of benefits, including improving security and ensuring data privacy. Here’s how.
Cutting-Edge Cybersecurity Solutions
A strong cybersecurity strategy is one of the most important aspects of maintaining data privacy. Even if you operate a tiny business with a small customer base, implementing the best cybersecurity solutions for your budget will help you protect sensitive data.
Hackers have access to a highly sophisticated set of technologies and techniques that allow them to access networks and systems without authorization. They can get their hands on data in a variety of ways, including:
Phishing scams, such as sending fake emails from a trusted institution that encourage recipients to voluntarily disclose personal information.
Ransomware, as hackers can copy data before they encrypt it.
Brute force attacks, in which hackers try countless combinations of letters, symbols, and numbers to guess passwords. Once they gain access to accounts, they can browse the information inside.
SQL injections that give hackers access to databases filled with information.
These are just four of the methods used to procure data. Companies may rely on in-house IT technicians to maintain tight cybersecurity, but using managed IT services can make it more efficient, effective, and affordable.
A trusted provider will assess your current cybersecurity to identify weaknesses that compromise data privacy. They will determine the right strategy for your business, requirements, and budget, building a fully tailored solution. You can focus on running your company while the experts handle your data privacy commitments.
Updated Software for Improved Security
How often do you make sure that the software your business depends on is updated? Do you have all of the latest versions running?
Updating software whenever new versions are available is a must to ensure that it’s as safe as possible. Outdated software may have gaps that allow unauthorized users to gain access to your network and data that customers expect to stay safe.
Businesses that take responsibility for maintaining their own IT infrastructure may not have the in-house expertise to ensure that all software is up to date. Team members may ignore notifications about updates, assuming it’s not important. Such oversights can leave data more vulnerable to theft than it needs to be.
However, comprehensive managed IT services include software procurement: your provider will make sure that you have the right platforms and tools for your operations. And they’ll stay on top of software patching to reduce your risk of data theft.
Honest Advice and Guidance from IT Experts
Navigating the complicated data privacy landscape can be challenging for IT specialists, let alone those without significant training or experience. The regulations and responsibilities involved in data privacy makes it one of the more complex territories for businesses to explore in the digital age.
As a result, understanding what you can and should do to ensure data privacy may be a daunting prospect. Fortunately, switching to managed IT services will make it all much simpler.
You’ll receive transparent advice and guidance from your provider on a range of topics, including data privacy. They will help you make the right decisions to safeguard data pertaining to your business, customers, and everything else.
Network Monitoring to Identify Security Issues
Managed IT services include network installation and monitoring: all systems required for your business to operate safely and securely will be in place. IT pros will be able to identify any unusual network activity that could indicate an impending cyber attack.
They will take the necessary action to prevent or contain threats before they escalate into a serious issue. With consistent network monitoring, you can rest assured that your data will be protected against potential breaches.
Keep Your Sensitive Data Private with NETWORTH’s Managed IT Services
Ensuring data privacy is paramount for businesses today, when so much sensitive information is stored locally and in the cloud. You need to take effective measures to prevent your own data from falling into the wrong hands, and to keep all customer data safe.
Managed IT services from NETWORTH is the solution. We offer bespoke packages encompassing a range of services, such as:
Information and cybersecurity services
Network and server support
Computer network installation
Remote and on-site support
IT support management
To find out how our managed services can help you maintain data privacy, contact NETWORTH today.