Major corporate data breaches appear to be all too common. In fact, they've become so common that you may be immune to them.

If you own or run a small business, you may believe that protecting sensitive data from fax a picture from iphone is unnecessary. However, you'd be surprised at how much information you collect and must safeguard. It quickly adds up, from credit card numbers and addresses to phone numbers and financial and medical information.

That is why you must establish procedures for dealing with sensitive information.

Of course, solid data handling processes are common in the corporate world, but small business owners are often so focused on the details of day-to-day operations that they neglect to create data processes. That can be disastrous in terms of information security. You must adhere to the data in order to reduce risk and comply with the most recent regulations.

Proper Workflows Begin and End Data Security

Before you can create a process of best practices to improve data security, you must first understand what data you own and where it is located. Then you can deal with it.

Remember, not all information is created equal. Some data is more sensitive and requires greater security, so you must classify each data set as public, internal, confidential, and so on. This type of data classification will assist you in determining which processes to implement for each type. After all, why build a million-dollar fence around a thousand-dollar horse?

Once you understand how data flows through your company, you'll be able to create a proper workflow. Even so, developing the right process may necessitate some trial and error. If you've always taken a hands-off approach, expect some pushback from your employees and partners. However, involving them in the process will result in much better cooperation.

Here are five pointers to get you started:

1. Create a matrix of responsibility assignments.

Include a RACI matrix for each key project and, if applicable, the entire organization. The acronym RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consult, and Inform. The matrix will specify who is responsible for what, who is ultimately accountable for what, who should be consulted before making a final decision, and who should be kept in the loop. Using this tool, you can clear up a lot of confusion.

Additional Resources:

BENEFITS OF USING VIRTUAL PRIVATE SERVERS FOR YOUR NEW BUSINESS (Part 1)

BENEFITS OF USING VIRTUAL PRIVATE SERVERS FOR YOUR NEW BUSINESS (Part 2)

GUESTS AT A BUSINESS CONFERENCE WITH THEIR OWN DEVICES