Data storage security issues for SMBs

Security is a multifaceted practice that requires visibility into internal and external information flows of the company, including online data storage and archives. To achieve a secure business and technical environment, companies need to start with understanding their business process flows from start to finish.

With a comprehensive understanding of how confidential information is gathered, disseminated, stored, accessed and archived, SMBs can identify their data storage security strengths and weaknesses. This informa

Digg This!     StumbleUpon     Del.icio.us

RELATED CONTENT SMB storage tips Why global deduplication is important in choosing a dedupe product The benefits and risks of online data backup and cloud services for SMBs Data retention policies and procedures for SMBs Ten signs you're ready for a storage area network (SAN) Controlling unstructured file data storage growth: Five storage reduction tips Networked data storage for SMBs: Five signs you need to ditch direct-attached storage How SMBs can save on disk array power costs Using an autoloader tape drive for data backup in SMBs Tiered data storage strategies for SMBs SaaS shopping list for SMBs Small-midsized Business Data Storage Management Monitoring and managing recovery time objectives (RTOs) and recovery point objectives (RPOs) Keeping thumb drive storage secure through encryption and policies Data retention policies and procedures for SMBs SMB data storage briefs: Synology launches new DS409 for SMBs Storage resource management tools for SMBs Blade storage adds virtualization and data services to overcome management limitations Controlling unstructured file data storage growth: Five storage reduction tips Tiered data storage strategies for SMBs Five tips to save data storage costs for SMBs Ricoh brings online data storage service to U.S.

RELATED RESOURCES 2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary

tion provides businesses with an identified starting point for enhancing their internal security policies. This initial first step also provides the foundation for developing and establishing a documented security policy, which is a requirement for compliance.

When securing and storing sensitive data, SMBs should look into the following internal areas:

These are a few areas where a company needs to be sensitive to its storage security policy. Security is not a one-time implementation and must be viewed as an ongoing practice. Secure business practices improve a firm's ability to demonstrate its compliance with regulations. Heightened storage security awareness and practices can also add to enhanced customer confidence and potentially attract new business.

Martha Young is co-founder and CEO of Nova Amber LLC, a business consulting company specializing in business process virtualization. She has co-authored three books on virtual business processes: "The Case for Virtual Business Processes," "The Virtual Worker's Handbook" and "iExec Enterprise Essentials Companion Guide."

Rate this Tip To rate tips, you must be a member of SearchSMBStorage.com. Register now to start rating these tips. Log in if you are already a member. Submit a Tip DISCLAIMER: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.