If you're not downright obsessed with maintaining data security for your organization, you probably should be. Hackers, lax data-sharing practices, and unknowing violations of federal data-protection laws can place you in some very hot water indeed. Are you prepared to pay the high cost of professional non-compliance – or would you rather nip those concerns in the bud through smart IT strategies? Here are some insights on the subject from your Austin IT managed services team at Gravity Systems.

Many professions must handle the private information of individuals, businesses, and governments as a matter of course. The use, protection, and sharing of this data is usually controlled by laws that threaten steep penalties for abuse. Perhaps the most well-known example, at least in the medical profession, is HIPAA (the Health Insurance Accountability and Portability Act of 1996). Improper use or leakage of patient data can cost the offender up to $50,000 per incident in fines. Other major regulatory laws include the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) for educational institutions, the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) for government agencies, and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act for financial companies.

Unfortunately, the more valuable your data is, the bigger a target you may be for unscrupulous forces who know how to fool workers into handing over sensitive information or even hack directly into your network. That's why it's so important that you set up the right protections, from intelligent password usage and strong firewalls to the latest malware filters. Since it's easy to lose track of the details of data security in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, outsourcing this critical issue to dedicated professionals can make a lot of sense.

Gravity Systems can help you do what you must to keep your data safe and sound. Contact us today and let's discuss your concerns!

Related Post: Two Connections Are Better Than One: The Value of Redundant Internet Connectivity