To say that retail stores need an information security solution would be a gross understatement. There are plenty of reasons for those with an information security degree to be concerned, especially when it comes to customer information. In the next few paragraphs, we are going to spend some time explaining the different types of customer information, how this data can be protected, and how proper information security training can help keep a store in operation for many years.
Protecting Location Information
Protecting customer location information is crucial. Location information refers to a customer’s name, address, phone number, and more. A retail establishment will often take this information and store it digitally whether they are getting it from the POS or through other means. This information needs to be encrypted for many reasons, some of which are more obvious than others.
Protecting Payment Information
Along with location information, retailers will also collect and record credit card data from customers transacting with a credit card at the Point of Sale. Retail stores that take credit cards will need to use what is known as a PCI-compliant firewall to ensure that the credit or debit card information remains within the system and is encrypted enough that it cannot be captured by an unauthorized individual.
Generally, this information is only kept momentarily to confirm payment, but without a proper firewall standing between the payer and the outside world, there are some serious dangers. A data breach could cause reputation loss and financial loss as it may cause customers to stop frequenting that establishment.
Protecting Employee Information
While customers are the lifeblood of a company, employee information must also be kept safe. The right combination of ingenuity and information technology security can prove to be both vital and effective in keeping employees and their personal information safe. Companies must ensure that sensitive employee data does not fall into the wrong hands.
Best Laid Plans Involve Firewalls
Only the most stubborn Luddites would argue that the world has gone digital in the past few years. In this new digital age, it is becoming increasingly important to make sure that vital information is protected whether we are talking about the customers that visit these establishments or the employees that work there.
Perhaps even more importantly, it is critical to make sure that the store information is properly protected. As an information security professional, much of this will be your responsibility. If you can handle this type of responsibility, you should seek out the right education to get your new career in the information security field started.
The Right Education
At ITI Technical College, you will have the opportunity to work with passionate and highly experienced instructors who have worked in the field and are ready to pass on their practical knowledge. Our curriculum and hybrid classroom/laboratory approach help simulate scenarios students will experience in the real world.
If you are interested in starting a new career and furthering your life by entering the information technology security field, then now is a great time for you to reach out to one of our admission specialists. Financial aid is also available for those who qualify, so do not let your financial situation deter you from completing your education. Contact us today!
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