5 Steps to Prevent Data Loss

1. Guard against human error. Use security technologies, such as data encryption, as a safety net for honest mistakes.

2. When in doubt, encrypt. All laptop hard drives should be encrypted.

3. Monitor outgoing messages. Use software to block e-mail messages or file transfers with confidential data.

4. Ensure security is easy to use. Otherwise, employees will find ways to get around it.

5. Audit security practices regularly. Experts say such reviews should happen at least monthly.

Source: Baseline research

QUESTION: What's the best way to reduce the risk of data leaks—short of taking laptops away from users? Write to us at baseline@ziffdavis.com.