Even as you read this sentence, online thievery is taking place. Fortunately, by taking the proper precautions, your business can avoid the online threat and wipe out any problems that threaten to arise. By following the five tips below and beefing up your business’s Internet security, hackers will have no choice but to mind their own business.
1. Change your passwords regularly
It’s fairly common knowledge that default passwords should always be customized to each unique user. However, password strength in terms of multiple numbers, case-sensitive characters and random symbols is just the first line of defense.
Usernames and passwords are a hacker’s gateway into your business’s operating system, so keep Internet thieves away by changing both your own username and password and employees’ login info on a monthly or even weekly basis. It may be a pain, but it’s worth the time.
2. Choose the right ISP
A castle is only as strong as its walls and the same is true with your business’s ISP. You might not think iso, but not all Internet service providers are built the same. When choosing an Internet provider, it shouldn’t just be about speed and price.
There are a plethora of service providers on the market, so it’s wise to choose an Internet package that has built-in security features. After an ISP checks out in the online security department, its affordability and connection speed comes next. Your best bet is to find one that meets all three criteria.
3. Keep an eye on the spy(ware)
Take a lesson from the Trojans and don’t let that horse through your business’s front door until it has been checked for viruses and other malicious software. Updating your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs is simple and it takes just a minute.
Another way to keep hackers from sneaking into your place of business is by installing a network firewall. By controlling the incoming and outgoing network traffic, it’s easier to tell if there are any threats making it into your business’s operating system.
4. Encrypt customer data
According to McAfee Security, out of 500 mid-sized American companies surveyed, 45 percent thought their businesses weren’t “valuable enough” to be targeted by hackers. The question is, what percentage of those companies store customer data on their systems?
If a customer’s information is compromised in any way, the consequences are catastrophic. So, always ensure customer data is encrypted and if it’s financial data, outsource your business’s ecommerce to sites like PayPal and Google Checkout.
5. Limit access and block unecessary sites
Limiting access to certain online information lowers the chances of a security breach, so it’s good practice to make sure only the necessary users have access to certain data.
Likewise, blocking certain sites from being viewed will lessen the chance of virus and spyware carrying sites from being opened within your business’s network. So, take the necessary measures to block unnecessary sites and make sure your anti-virus software is up-to-date incase a situation arises.
Practicing online safety on a daily basis will ensure the security of your business, keep hackers at bay, and make certain your business’s cyberspace is safe and sound. What other simple online security measures is your business using?
Emily Green is a freelance writer with more than six years experience in blogging, copywriting, content, SEO, and dissertation, technical, and thesis writing. She loves all things tech, especially smartphones.
