An online presence is no longer an option for businesses – it’s a necessity to make your business competitive. Some businesses are online only, offering products to customers around the globe. Others are primarily brick-and-mortar businesses that also offer some level of service online. Regardless of the size, range, or purpose of your online business, you need to protect it from cyber theft and scammers. Cybersecurity threats on businesses are constantly evolving, so it is important to have a strong online security strategy in place to protect your business from cyberattacks.
More people are shopping online these days, with more than 5 million households making online purchases each month. As that number continues to grow, the threat to your security is also getting bigger. It is essential to protect your information and that of your customers from any threats. Here are six ways to accomplish that.
1. Put a Backup and Restore System in Place
Nothing is more detrimental to your business than losing your data. Even though you store your files in the cloud, you never know when your storage system could go down. If it does, you’ve lost your data forever. Not only that, but it’s your responsibility to store your business’s and customers’ information safely.
If your idea of data storage is putting everything on a USB stick, stop. It isn’t enough. Instead, you need to add an automated system to perform data backup regularly. It isn’t expensive to hire a company to back up your data on your required schedule so you can avoid a nightmare when your data gets lost.
2. Protect Your Computers Against Viruses and Malware
Viruses and malware can impact your business in several ways. They might prevent your computer from working or corrupt your files so that you lose data. TweetDeck or SproutSocial can help you protect your business online by monitoring social media for mentions of your brand. Some spyware steals information, while other types allow users to infiltrate your system and gain access to critical information. You need antivirus software to protect your business, but which one?
One of the best ways to decide is by looking at reviews on trustworthy websites. Take the time to look over and understand the software’s capabilities. Some things to look for include detection and protection capabilities for adware, spyware, and malware. Also, consider a software solution with an integrated firewall for additional protection.
Once you find and install the best antivirus for your system, keep it updated. Whether you change how you do business online or stay the same, updating your software ensures you always get the most advanced protection.
3. Employ 2-Step Authentication
No one enjoys the need to supply two or more forms of identification to log into a website, but multi-factor authentication (MFA) is worth the effort. Require at least two forms of ID for your employees and customers to boost your online security significantly. Even when your password gets compromised, the additional requirement makes it more difficult to access your system.
4. Protect Your Financial Accounts
Infographic created by Donnelley Financial Solutions, an SEC filing software company
Your financial accounts are especially vulnerable to online hackers. Accepting payments for products and/or services, employment payments, purchases, and any banking transactions carry inherent risks. The first step in security for your financial accounts is protecting your password. Use strong passwords, and don’t store them on your computer.
Also, follow safety protocols when performing any financial transaction online. Try to limit your online financial transactions to those performed on your cell phone or secure sites at your home or business. Accessing free Wi-Fi allows thieves to access your information when you sign into your accounts.
5. Limit Access to Sensitive Material
Whether you have one employee or hundreds, make sure you limit who has access to sensitive material. Set up a system that is ‘need to know’ and allows you to assign specific levels of security to each one. This limits who has access to your information and that of your customers. The right system for your business will prevent unauthorized users from gaining customer names, addresses, credit card numbers, and social security numbers.
No business is too small for an access control system. It minimizes the risk of unauthorized access to your systems and protects your customers and employees. Spoofing and phishing are common online attacks that can be used to steal your business’s data and money, so it’s important to educate your employees on how to protect themselves. Whether it’s an unseen threat in the cloud or an employee looking to strike out on their own, your control over their access will protect your business from unexpected threats.
6. Be Alert to the Latest Scams
Online scams are almost as old as the internet. Often, scammers add a new twist to an old and common scam. People continue to fall for scams, old and new, resulting in significant losses.
Some of the most common scams to look out for include:
- Phishing – Most of us have gotten emails congratulating us on winning a foreign lottery or becoming the heir to a fortune from someone we’ve never met. These scammers are trying to get your information to ‘claim your prize’. Today’s phishing scammers might claim to be a store, your bank, or a company that you do business with. The reason they are so common is that they work. The best way to protect yourself from phishing scams is by never giving anyone information through your email account.
- Online Shopping Scams – These scammers present fake retail pages that look like the real thing. Once you enter your credit or debit card info, they have it.
- False Bills and Invoices – Check your bills carefully before paying them. Scammers send businesses fake bills for products or services they don’t get often. Never pay without confirming that the debt is legit.
These are just some of the common scams today. Read here to learn more and what steps to take to protect yourself and your business from scammers.
No one wants to spend their time worrying about protecting their business when they should be running it. Contact us to learn more about your options for protecting your business online so you can focus on doing what you know best.
Author’s Bio:
Sian is a mother of two and a keen marketer passionate about everything digital. Having worked with insurance brand Choosi, she is also an avid traveler. Apart from traveling, she is also a keen coffee enthusiast and has a passion for health & nature.
