We share data with multiple applications, services, and websites when we use the internet. But have you ever wondered “how safe” your company information is? Whether it’s business data or personal data, you must know how to keep it secure. To help you out, we’ve put together some tips.
Maintain your business data safe online
As a business owner, you have much vital information to keep track of – from customer data to financial records. And with more and more businesses moving online, it’s important to make sure your information is safe from cybercriminals. Here are a few steps you can take to protect your business information online:
- Use strong passwords and never reuse them. A strong password should be at least 8 characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessed words like “password” or your company name. And don’t rotate passwords across different accounts! All of your accounts will be at risk if they use the same password.
- Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter both a password and a code that is sent to your phone or email when logging in. This makes it much harder for hackers to gain access even if they have your password. So make sure all your critical accounts – like email, banking, and social media – offer two-factor authentication and enable it!
- Check if your software is up-to-date. Outdated software can provide opportunities for hackers to exploit vulnerabilities in the code. To stay on top of updates you need to set aside time each week or month to review new patches and update as needed. By keeping everything up–to–date, you can help ensure that any newly discovered weaknesses will not put your business at risk.
- Teach yourself & employees about cybersecurity risks. Just as you educate yourself about a potential threat, you also need to ensure that all employees are aware of good cyber hygiene practices. Encourage staff to report any suspicious emails or links so you can investigate further. Explain to them how to spot common scams so they know what to look out for.
- Use secure connections only. When accessing sensitive data remotely make sure to see a Virtual Private Network (VPN) which encrypts traffic between devices. Always avoid using public Wi-Fi as these networks are notoriously insecure.
- Back everything up! One of the most devastating things that could happen to our business is losing years’ worth of data due to external circumstances or cyberattacks. Backing up everything regularly will help reduce the risks.
- Work with trusted partners. When it comes to cybersecurity, just collaborate with vendors and service providers who have a good reputation. Before working in collaboration with any of these partners, make sure you conduct a background check.
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities you need to be aware of
There are many who might want to steal your business data and turn it against you, from identity thieves to foreign governments, and many ways that they might try to do. Your business computer might get infected with a virus, spyware, or worm that records your keystrokes as you log into web applications and use your company’s data to steal login credentials or payment card data and ultimately steal your business secrets.
How to avoid getting hacked
There are a few things you should know in order to avoid getting hacked. In the first place, you have to be aware of the types of information that are crucial and the potential for harm that a breach can cause. While there is no single certain way to protect your data you can follow a few simple steps to reduce the chance of a breach or the damage it might cause. Here are a few ways to make sure your data is safe:
- Avoid clicking on links or attachments in emails unless you know who sent them.
- Always run your software and operating system updates.
- Consider using a password manager to store your passwords.
- Enable firewalls and virus scanners on all of your devices.
- Finally, be sure to keep your data safe and secure at all times and never give it out to anyone.
Cybersecurity is an important aspect of being a business, and keeping your data safe online is an essential part of it. Therefore, it is critical to partner with cyber experts who are best suited to defend you against cyber attacks. By taking precautions like cyber insurance, you protect yourself and your business from cyber threats. The right policy can help you avoid ransomware, data breaches, cyber-attacks, and other threats.