Online Security Tips To Help Protect Your Small Business
When you run a small business, you plough everything into it. One leak of data, one issue with online security, one hack to your website and it could set you back years. How can we protect ourselves in the world of cyber security? As it’s Safer Internet Day this week, let’s look at some top tips!
Keep Your Software Up To Date
Make sure to keep your software up to date, which keeps you one step ahead of hackers. Did you know that updates in software can keep you safe? Older versions often have loopholes where hackers can enter. Always make sure that you update through official channels, not from random emails arriving in your inbox.
Back Up & Restore
Get yourself into a routine of regularly backing up all your laptops, computers, phones and tablets. This can be to external hard drives that you keep off-site or in the cloud. If something was to go wrong and you were unable to even log in due to malware, you can be sure that you backed up the data you need. With that in mind, you need to be able to restore from a backup, so double check you know how to do this and that it works. Backing up what is important to you is a great online security tip.
Double Factor Authentication
How often do you log into different websites, accounts and inboxes? If you're anything like most people, your passwords are pretty much the same across the board. It's hard to remember a bunch of different passwords. However, implementing double factor authentication helps. It flags up when a new device has accessed your email inbox, for example, and asks for further authentication, on top of the password. This will usually be done by a code on your phone, a great step in keeping yourself safe.
Install Anti-Virus
Keeping yourself protected online means investing in some anti virus software. There are lots to choose from and they are more affordable than you may think. You can also use them across your network of devices to ensure safety throughout. Names to look out for include Norton, McAfee and Kaspersky. These will sit on your computer in the background and stop any viruses infiltrating your systems.
How Do You Browse?
Think about the internet, how much time you perhaps spend on it and how you browse. Who is tracking you? What companies are keeping an eye on what you're looking at? Rather than your usual search engine, consider swapping to DuckDuckGo which allows you to take control of your personal information online.
Online security is important. Especially if you're a small business owner reliant on the income of your business and wanting to keep it safe. You need to be smart, wise and savvy. Look after your data, be sensible and put some obstacles in place to deter potential hackers.