Best practices for digital business security involve a multilayered strategy that encompasses technology, processes, and employee education. Since threats constantly evolve, businesses must maintain vigilance and adapt their security measures over time. 

Foundational security practices

• Implement strong access controls: Limit employee access to critical systems and sensitive data to only what is necessary for their specific role. This is known as the principle of least privilege.
• Enforce strong password policies: Require employees to use long, complex, and unique passwords for all accounts, preferably managed through a password manager. Enforce regular password changes.
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA): Require a second form of verification, such as a code from an authenticator app or a text message, for all accounts, especially those with privileged access.
• Keep software and systems updated: Regularly apply security patches to all software, operating systems, and firmware. Many updates are designed to fix newly discovered vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
• Use firewalls and antivirus software: Deploy firewalls to monitor and control network traffic and install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on all devices.
• Encrypt sensitive data: Encrypt data both "at rest" (when stored on a server or computer) and "in transit" (when sent over a network) to prevent unauthorized access, even if the data is stolen.
• Back up data regularly: Implement a reliable backup strategy to ensure business continuity in case of a cyberattack, hardware failure, or human error. Follow the 3-2-1 rule: keep three copies of your data, on two different types of storage, with one copy off-site. 

Employee training and policies

• Educate employees on cybersecurity: Conduct ongoing cybersecurity awareness training to help employees recognize and prevent threats like phishing, social engineering, and malware. Simulating phishing attacks can also be effective.
• Document security policies: Create and clearly communicate written security policies and procedures. This ensures that employees know how to handle sensitive data, what proper internet usage entails, and the consequences of policy violations.
• Create a mobile device action plan: Define security guidelines for all mobile devices, whether company-provided or personal (Bring Your Own Device). Include mandatory password protection, data encryption, and procedures for reporting lost or stolen devices. 

Advanced and proactive measures

• Implement a Zero Trust architecture: Operate under the assumption that no user or device should be trusted by default, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the corporate network. This requires verifying every access request.
• Conduct regular security audits and risk assessments: Periodically review and test your IT infrastructure to identify potential security vulnerabilities. This helps in understanding what your most valuable digital assets are and how to prioritize their protection.
• Manage third-party risks: Assess the security practices of your vendors and partners who may have access to your systems. The Target data breach, for example, occurred through an HVAC vendor's credentials.
• Develop an incident response plan: Create a detailed, written plan that outlines the steps to take in the event of a security breach. This plan should define roles and responsibilities and include procedures for containment, eradication, and recovery.
• Invest in modern security solutions: Use advanced security technologies that employ AI and machine learning for proactive threat detection and response. This is especially important for protecting user identities, endpoints, and cloud environments.