1. Make sure your POT stations are secure.
Point-of-sale terminals, which might include iPads, smartphones, or conventional card readers, are often where the consumer data funnel begins. However, since station security is easily compromised, this is also the place where client data is most vulnerable. Maintain software updates and always ensure that yours are accounted for at the end of work hours.
2. Verify that the data security standard for the payment card industry is met.
Does your company take credit cards for payments? You have to adhere to well-recognized security standards. It is your responsibility to ensure that the confidence your consumers have in you with their private payment information is earned and maintained.
3. Protect your information using encryption.
Data that has been encrypted is unreadable to unauthorized users. End-to-end encryption should always be a feature of point-of-sale terminals, and your website should also include it, particularly on sites where data is gathered. In particular, data hosted on cloud servers has to be encrypted.
Be aware of your "data estate."
Expect more regular consumer data audits now that the new India Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 (DPDPA) is in effect. Get a comprehensive image of your "data estate" as soon as possible by understanding what you have, how it was acquired, and where it is kept. Above all, particularly with sensitive data, don't save information that you don't need.
5. Destruction of confidential paper records
Paper documents are still used by even the most digitally advanced businesses. According to the India Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 (DPDPA), it is the duty of all organizations to follow industry best practices for data protection. When it comes to data in physical form, this includes making sure it is out of the reach of onlookers and shredding paper trash that is gathered in safe containers.
6. Your privacy statement has to be explicit.
Openness fosters trust. Customers won't be as reluctant to provide their info with you if you are truthful about it. Clearly state what data you gather, how you use it, and with whom you share it. Not only may deceiving consumers about their data harm your company's reputation, but it can also have legal repercussions.
7. Teach your staff members
The individuals on the front lines of protecting consumer data are your workers. Therefore, they must understand how to manage data properly, from collection to storage. Your security approach should place a strong emphasis on employee education.
8. Examine your policies on bringing your own devices.
Around 2013, the Bring Your Device (BYOD) movement arrived in India and quickly became apparent in the workplace. Eighty percent of Indian workers reportedly use their gadgets for work. The dynamic transformation in workplace cultures and environments is a significant contributing factor to this. The proliferation of cellphones and office technologies has made it routine to access corporate data while on the road. Regretfully, however, it has also provided hackers with more chances to access the data. Examine the necessity of your BYOD policy and restrict the resources that your staff members may use while they're on the road.
9. Recognize your weaknesses
As cybercrime increases, more and more companies are eager to identify their weakest points so they can safeguard client information. Network scans, penetration testing, and availability checks on updates may all be carried out to improve the security of your company's data.
10. Using common sense is essential
The adage "better safe than sorry" holds when it comes to cyber security. It is too late to decide to strengthen security after a compromise. It is a wise use of time for SMEs to educate themselves on the security concerns of client data.