Think of the locks on your house. They protect your personal belongings like your TV, passport, and even you. Similarly, while you can’t store physical items online, you must protect critical data like credit card numbers, employee IDs, and customer account info.
If your business data isn’t securely stored, it can be compromised, leading to serious consequences for you, your employees, and your customers.
Over half of all cyberattacks target small-to-medium businesses, often forcing them to close. Additionally, there are personal consequences like credit card fraud, tax fraud, and identity theft.
Securing your business is an ongoing process, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some initial steps you can take to stay safe:
Strong Passwords
Start by creating strong passwords. They’re your first line of defense against unauthorized access. Each important account, such as email or online booking, needs its own unique password. This way, if one is compromised, you only need to address a single issue.
Passwords should be long and complex, using a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. The more complex, the harder they are to crack.
Set up good recovery options by linking a secondary email or mobile phone to your accounts. This ensures you receive alerts if someone tries to alter your information, allowing you to verify if the request is legitimate.
Email Security
Businesses face threats beyond password hacks, with many attacks coming through email. You need to be vigilant against “phishing” attacks.
Phishing involves hackers sending messages that look like they come from legitimate sources such as banks, business partners, or government agencies. These emails appear official but are fraudulent.
To combat phishing:
- Scrutinize emails that urge you to click a link and enter account information.
- Be wary of emails claiming one of your accounts has been compromised.
- Avoid opening email attachments unless you’re sure they are safe, as they may contain malware.
Hackers can also set up your email to forward to an address they control. Regularly check your email settings to ensure nothing looks unusual. If you see anything suspicious, change your password immediately.
Secure Connections
When signing into email or any site, ensure the web address starts with https:// as it is more secure than http://.
Device Security
To protect the devices that store your data:
- Set your devices (phones, laptops, tablets) to lock automatically when idle.
- Adjust security settings in your device’s system preferences and use a strong PIN code.
Employee Training
Don’t just follow these steps yourself. Schedule ongoing security training for your employees so they understand potential threats and can report anything suspicious. There is safety in numbers.
Key Steps to Keep Your Business Safe
- Create unique passwords for each important site.
- Change passwords regularly.
- Maintain strong password-recovery options.
- Double-check before opening links and attachments.
- Link your mobile phone to important accounts.
- Set devices to lock when not in use.
- Schedule security training for your employees.
By staying vigilant and proactive, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks and keep your business safe online.
