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In summer 2022, the city of Amagasaki, located in Western Japan, announced that it had lost a USB flash drive containing the personal information of all its roughly 460,000 residents.

The USB in question held sensitive data, including residents’ names, addresses, dates of birth, and even bank account information. Needless to say, this raises significant concerns about data privacy and security.

Mistakes happen — it’s part of life. But when it comes to managing sensitive data, it’s crucial to have safeguards in place to mitigate potential risks.

Amagasaki officials, if you’re reading this, here’s how Atera can help you prevent a similar incident in the future.

Partner with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) with Robust Cybersecurity Expertise

An MSP is an IT professional or company that businesses outsource certain services to for expert support. While outsourcing is often viewed as a cost-saving strategy, it can also bring essential expertise to your operations.

A reliable MSP will tell you that the first rule of thumb (or thumb drive) is not to store private or confidential information—like bank account details—on devices that are easy to lose or steal.

So far, there is no evidence of data being leaked, but next time, it’s wise to let an IT professional handle the storage and security of sensitive data.

Looking for a trusted MSP? Atera can connect you to the best.

Back Up Important Information Regularly

The Japan Times report doesn’t clarify whether the USB’s data was stored elsewhere or backed up. Regardless, implementing a secure and accessible backup system is a critical best practice for any organization.

Protect Assets with Cutting-Edge Cloud Storage Solutions

Sensitive data must be safeguarded from breaches or theft of physical devices like USB drives. That’s why Atera has partnered with Acronis, our award-winning backup solution.

With Atera’s Acronis integration, you’ll benefit from:

  • Secure File Sharing
  • 24/7 Access
  • Data Loss Protection
  • Data Recovery
  • Easy Collaboration

…and more, giving you peace of mind.

Strengthen Security with Axcient’s Chain-Free Backup

Whether it’s accidental deletions or malicious attacks, Atera’s Axcient integration offers an all-in-one platform for your backup and recovery needs.

Our integrations ensure your files are protected from data loss and ransomware attacks, so you can securely store them in the cloud instead of relying on physical devices.

Develop an Emergency Preparedness Plan

When planning for emergencies, people often think of first responders like police or firefighters. But IT professionals also play a vital role in preparing for and preventing disasters.

Ensure you have a robust IT disaster recovery plan to handle any situation. Losing a USB containing personal data can have serious consequences, from breaches to ransom demands.

Take action now to protect your organization – it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

How Atera Protects Your Data

At Atera, security and confidentiality are our top priorities. We recognize that the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your information are critical to your business.

With features like:

…you can rest assured that your data is safe, reliable, and protected.

Read more about how Atera ensures top-notch privacy and security in the Atera Cloud!

Conclusion

The incident in Amagasaki highlights the importance of prioritizing data security and implementing robust IT solutions. Mistakes can happen, but with the right tools and practices in place, organizations can minimize risks and safeguard sensitive information.

Atera’s all-in-one IT management platform, combined with powerful integrations like Acronis and Axcient, provides the security, reliability, and efficiency needed to protect your data and streamline your operations. Whether you’re looking to enhance your backup strategies, strengthen cybersecurity, or ensure preparedness for emergencies, Atera has the solutions to help you stay secure and focused on what matters most.

Take the next step in securing your data with Atera — try it today and contact our sales team for a demo!

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