Most successful businesses need collaboration to reach a focal point of success. Some of the reasons why collaboration interests company owners include sharing of expenses and machinery, complementary skill input and the creation of synergy with intellectual or physical capital investment that the other company, startup or small business brings.
However, collaboration does have a fair share of negatives. One of the negatives that has been highlighted in recent times is the issue of security. Computerweekly reports that small to medium enterprises are aware of the security issues that come with collaboration, yet a quarter of those who were surveyed continue with the plans. Some have even taken measures to resolve the issues while others didn’t carry out the venture because of the concerns.
While detecting an implosion before it takes place is no easy feat, there are ways to secure your business from the harm that security threats facing the collaborating partner can cause (directly or indirectly).
Below are the listed threats that can halt/wreck your business operations and the measures that prevent them:
1. Virus, Malware and other threats
Collaboration normally involves merging of resources, which can increase chances of malware, virus, ransomware and other such threats. This is because an infected file from the other company’s computer can bring a virus on all your business computers. Microsoft points out that collaboration can significantly increase chances of malware.
Furthermore, with the recent rise in the trend of BYOD, mobile devices and tablets may also become a victim especially if the staff is coming over from the other team. Even sharing of files over wireless services such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi isn’t safe from such threats.
Software that prevents malware and other threats would be an ideal option is such a situation. When searching for a business antivirus program, a solution that offers a suite of security services, such as anti-spyware, malware, data loss protection and mobile device protection should be selected.
2. Loss or theft of data
Highly sensitive data is more prone to theft or loss when another body gains access, even for business reasons. Some examples of such data include social security numbers, trade secrets, customer information, regulated business information and financial transaction credentials.
The reasons why data theft or loss takes place is because of negligence of employees, or debauched motives of the staff of the collaborating company (even a single member with ill intention can be devastating). A survey titled ‘Global Corporate IT Security Risks 2013’ reveals that 7% of the companies that were a part reported that employee actions was the cause behind leakage of confidential and important data.
The best way to protect data loss or theft is to back up important business files to the cloud. This can be done with the help of a cloud backup system, which comes with scalable costs and ensures that the data is kept in safe, external locations and can be restored at any point in time.
3. Identity theft
When employees from the other company join hands with your team, it is important to take note of identity theft risks. This is because it becomes easy in a bigger team for employees and collaboration networks to pose as someone else for a gain without being identified.
For example, a staff member with voracity may act as your customer service representative and ask for money from customers by saying they will enter in a competition to win a bigger prize.
Encryption technology installation can be used to prevent identity theft. This is because the technology only grants access to the appropriate user and can be configured as well.
Has your business been a victim of security breach? Feel free to share your thoughts.