In today's networking environment, companies must zealously guard customer data. It's not just a question of ensuring the privacy and security of that data; in many U.S. states and some countries, companies must reveal data breaches, even when no sensitive information is lost. These disclosures can negatively affect your brand and reputation with customers, prospects, and the financial community.

Several strategies can help you protect customer data. These include:

• Maintaining continuous data protection, so that you have up-to-the minute data integrity
• Having specific security processes to follow after a suspected breach
• Installing the latest in anti-malware applications on desktop computers