BradEgeland.com #PMP #PPM #project #Agile #cybersecurity #planning #ai #SAFe #coronavirus #virtual #mindmap #remote #COVID19 #scaledagile #fintech #webdesign
  • Welcome
  • Contact
  • Mentoring Contact Form
  • Expertise
  • Blog
  • Find Local PM Jobs
  • Books / White Papers
  • Software / Service Reviews
  • This Week in PM
  • PM Video Series
  • Awards/Recognition
  • Templates & Downloads
  • Clients
  • Professional Services
  • Past Survey Results

5 Data Security Measures Every Project Manager Must Implement

2/19/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Data security is an aspect of project management that is often overlooked by well-meaning project managers. However, as remote work and cloud computing become more prevalent, it’s important that more focus is dedicated to this area.


Improper data security measures can result in a breach or data loss that can derail a project and devastate a business. Here are five data security measures every project manager must implement.

Access Rights Management

Access rights management technology and policies ensure that team members are only able to access the things they need to throughout the project and that they can’t-- intentionally or not-- commit any fraudulent activity. Access rights management software can help prevent data loss, provide an overhead view of everyone’s activity within shared files, and identify any suspicious activity (source: https://www.solarwinds.com/access-rights-manager).


With access rights management in place, project managers can ensure that critical project files are inaccessible to the majority of the broader team. This could include anything from data backups to company financial information.


Firewalls and Anti-Virus Software

Anti-virus software and firewalls are simple-yet-effective barriers to put in place to protect data from external threats. A firewall controls the flow of internet data to and from your business, which can be crucial when logging on to use cloud sharing tools. Anti-virus software can protect your data should any malware get through, and identify and remove viruses, worms, and spyware.


While a free download of these features is better than nothing, it’s worth the extra investment to get a high-quality, paid version of a firewall and anti-virus tool. These tools create multiple layers of defense and can often be enough to deter hackers who are looking for an easy opportunity.

Protected Wireless Networks

Conducting work on secure wireless networks is another important data security measure that can protect the integrity of a project. Public wireless networks create an opportunity for hackers to join and infiltrate one’s files, which is challenging since many remote teams choose to use public locations as their workspace.


Using secure connections for getting work done or collaborating online can add yet another layer of protection to the project data. Project managers should try to use a WPA2 connection rather than the default WEP whenever possible, and encourage the team to do the same.


Backup Protocols

Data backups aren’t something that project managers usually consider as a data security measure. However, it’s essential to take this proactive approach and prepare for the worst case scenario, which is your initial line of defense failing, resulting in a data breach and loss. For the best possible results, it’s important to backup project files regularly and find alternate storage options for this data apart from your usual sharing method.


Be sure to read the fine print when looking for cloud storage or third-party backup provider. Some providers only conduct backups to protect from cyber attacks on their end and will not provide a backup for human error or a breach through one of your team members’ computers.

Picture

​Educate Team



Perhaps the most important step project managers can take toward effectively securing data is to educate the team. It’s estimated that 47% of data loss in surveyed businesses occurred due to employee error. Many cybersecurity experts see employees as the biggest threat to an organization, and in most cases, they lack malicious intent.


It’s important to have a conversation with team members about the implications and threats to protecting project data. Discuss password requirements, let them know the best practices for sharing files, and explain if access rights management tools are in place to track and log their activity. Education is the best line of defense in data security.


By having the right tools in place and teaching the broader team how to be careful with cybersecurity, project managers can implement the right measures to secure the data and contribute to a project’s long-term success.
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Author:

    Picture

    Brad Egeland


    Named the "#1 Provider of Project Management Content in the World," Brad Egeland has over 25 years of professional IT experience as a developer, manager, project manager, consultant and author.  He has written more than 7,000 expert online articles, eBooks, white papers and video articles for clients worldwide.  If you want Brad to write for your site, contact him. Want your content on this blog and promoted? Contact him. Looking for advice/menoring? Contact him.

    RSS Feed

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    March 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    March 2010
    November 2009

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.