Each year more of the economy moves online. More companies of all sizes take advantage of the internet to sell products, market services, and grow their customer base. The digital world opens up potential, but it also introduces threats. Businesses must take precautions to protect themselves. And that also includes protection against cybersecurity threats. Here are the top 5 ways online businesses can do so in no time.
1. Securing Your Network
A large percentage of businesses still have open networks. It’s an invitation to let anybody connect to your network and wreak havoc. Thus, start securing your business by taking care of your network. Use a robust and unique password. Consider using a login credential system on your network along with a separate guest network for any visitors. All networks need password changes every 90 days or so.
Make sure that you have fundamental security measures in place across your network, including windows 10 protection. Moreover, use antivirus and antimalware software like Kaspersky or Norton to check for any potential threats. Both on your network and your devices. Run these scans daily so you can take care of any problems before they become serious.
2. Encrypting Important Files
Businesses have no shortage of valuable files. Hackers are interested in everything from transaction records to invoices and personnel data. The best way to protect yourself is by encrypting your files. While it sounds complicated, it’s anything but. There are plenty of file encryption services to choose from. Some, like NordLocker, use the latest security protocols to safeguard your files from even the smartest cyber-criminals.
They are easy to use as well. After you’ve downloaded the software, click on a particular file and choose to encrypt it. Afterward, only individuals with the password will be able to access the file. Of course, you don’t need to encrypt every file. But if something is valuable to you or can cause you damage when leaked, you should consider sacrificing a minute or two or the encryption.
3. Backing Up Your Data
You can never know what’s going to happen. A sudden burst of the pipe may leak onto your servers and damage them for good. Even your cloud service provider might get hit with a natural disaster. Whatever it is, online businesses need to back up their data often. Both the cloud and physical storage devices. After that, follow up by setting up your computers to run auto-updates during downtime.
How often you do this depends on the nature of your business. You should back up every week, if possible — every day. In case backup services don’t take up much processing speed or internet bandwidth, you can even set them to run several times each day. You should also protect backups from ransomware by securing them with passwords or encrypting them.
Encrypting files before uploading to the cloud or downloading to your drives is an excellent way to go too.
4. Updating Your Software
Updates are essential to the security of an online business. It’s not a cosmetic upgrade to the operating system or app that you get most of the time. You get vital security patches. Without these updates, hackers have it easier to compromise your computer. And all other devices on your network. Thus, like with backups, set all company devices to run an automatic system updates during the downtime.
Also, stay informed to see if any developers have issued sudden security patches. You need to act on those ASAP because they represent substantial potential security flaws. The same approach should apply to all of your devices as well. After all, hackers may use it as a gateway to your office network.
5. Educating Your Employees
Everyone needs to know how to recognise suspicious websites and phishing scams. Or understand why they need to scan all files before downloading them — even if received from trusted senders. Hackers often impersonate coworkers or family members to lure people into downloading malware. That’s why it’s crucial to educate yourself and your employees about digital security. Better yet, make it your company policy to follow the best practices that ensure cybersecurity. And also have a set procedure for what employees should do if they suspect a computer virus or other security issues.
Cybersecurity Essentials for Online Business
Cybersecurity is vital for all online businesses. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve just opened your first e-commerce store or you’re about to break ground on a new facility near Apple’s campus in Cupertino. Keep the interests of your company safe by following practices described in this article. Protect your network with strong passwords and security software. Encrypt all your files. Keep everything in order with frequent updates and backups. Finally, educate your employees so they would know how to recognise threats to your online business. Following these strategies will ensure your business thrives in the digital world.