The Hidden Risks to Data Management in 2022
Figuring out how to store and manage your data in 2022 requires attention to detail and an understanding of the hidden risks involved. The last thing you want to do is make your information harder to access or let some analysis fall through the cracks. Knowing the potential problems helps you come up with a plan to prevent them in the first place.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 168,000 database administrators and architects. Some work for small businesses and others for large corporations. A few go freelance and work on their own or develop third-party platforms for others to use.
Technology changes at the speed of light. The protections and practices of yesterday almost never work today. No matter what type of data management you invest in, you must ensure it is adaptable and you can upgrade it regularly. Here are the main hidden risks to data management most companies will face in 2022.
1. Protect Data from Security Breaches
During the pandemic, more people than ever before turned to digital shopping and services. The increase in people using the world wide web also led to an increase in cyber thieves. Criminals are smarter and sneakier than ever before.
If you want to protect your data from breaches, you must be proactive. Make sure the latest possible security measures are in place. Spend time training your staff to spot phishing emails and not to click on links they shouldn’t.
Run regular scans and work with your data management provider to ensure everything gets locked down fully to outside forces.
2. Overcome Hidden Costs
The cost to build your own data management system may be a bit prohibitive. For example, the average pay of a front-end developer is around $57 per hour. If your system takes 720 hours to develop (some take more), then the cost to develop your system is $41,040. Plus, you’ll have to keep it updated and running after it launches, creating additional costs.
Many companies turn to third-party data management platforms to save money and ensure things are kept current. You’ll gain better security and more frequent updates by pooling your money with others using the same service.
If you must have a system of your own, do your best to reduce costs with frequent updates and pay attention to emerging trends in IT.
3. Develop Agile Systems
One issue a lot of business owners face is setting up their online database, only to discover they’ve outgrown it and need more features. Seek out a service that adapts as you grow. You want some agility in the system. Can you move to a different platform? Can you add storage space? Are there additional features, such as types of reports you might run?
You also need to think about the ways you’ll access the system. Do you only need to log in on your company computers? Are there workers in multiple locations where a cloud-based system might work best? Choose what works not only today but tomorrow as well.
4. Train Your Staff
One of the biggest hurdles companies face with data management is training employees to use the new software. First, you must make sure everything gets backed up regularly. In a worst-case scenario, a worker deletes your entire database. If it is backed up, you just restore it and hit the ground running.
Train your staff to backup before they begin a major update. Make sure everyone feels comfortable with the filing system and understands where to save different file types. Come up with best practices ahead of time to avoid confusion.
5. Consider Remote Workers
According to the most recent State of Remote Work report, about 37% of all jobs in the United States can easily be performed remotely. The rest may require in-person work or a hybrid approach.
Workers are demanding the right to choose to stay at home and complete tasks that don’t require them to be tethered to the office. If your database doesn’t allow remote login, you risk keeping your at-home workers out of the loop or limiting your options for a hybrid workplace.
Look for a system that allows security measures for off-site workers but still lets them have access to the system. Set up areas where only top-level administrators can access information and other areas where those who need info on topics such as customer buying behavior can access it easily.
6. Create Consistent Policies
Your policies need to take into consideration laws and regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) act. Even if you operate in the United States, if you collect data on just one client based in a European Union country, you’re subject to the rules of the GDPR.
Your employees should know what your database management policies are and how to follow them. Avoid confusion or having to reprimand a valuable employee because regulations weren’t clear.
Write out any policies so there is zero confusion.
Hidden Risks to Databases
These are some of the more common risks associated with databases. You may face others. The key is to understand your system thoroughly and pay attention to the concerns and complaints of employees and customers. Fix any problems you can and adjust the system to work for your company’s needs. Over time, you’ll find you understand your database better, and managing it becomes second nature.
