Whether your business is run 100% online or you simply utilize a number of online software programs, it’s critical that you keep this information safe. Not just your website, but you want both your offline and online information to be safe from hacking. Gadgets and Gizmos found that, “Nearly 1/3 of all hacks originate in the US, the highest of all countries.”
Whether you already have business security systems or not it’s vital that you stay in the know about how to keep hackers at bay. Utilizing the proper prevention techniques will stop problems before they can start.
Changing Passwords
Something that many businesses don’t regulate is password changes. While it’s a pain in the neck to remember a different password every other month, it’s your best bet to keeping hackers out of your private information. This is especially important if you utilize online payroll services, which contain not only your personal information but that of your employees as well.
- Set a schedule – The more you change your password the better; however WiseGeek.com suggests doing this once every 3-6 months.
- Know best practices – It’s smart to make your passwords difficult to hack. Utilize upper case letters, numbers or symbols and more than 6 characters.
- Include everything – Be sure that everyone within the company knows to change passwords for all their programs, including email.
Update Your Offline Often
While updates can be tedious, time consuming, and frequent, it’s smart to stay on top of them. Often times the manufacturer update on your computer will also upgrade your security settings. Not only this, but it isn’t uncommon for hackers to seek out out-of-date computers for that reason. Don’t make yourself a target for hacking by staying up to date.
- Install automatic updates: Some computers will use a pop up at the sign of an update. If yours doesn’t, be sure to sign up for it.
- Manually check: You may have missed an update pop-up while away from your computer. In that situation, you don’t want to miss the opportunity, so be sure to check for updates every couple of months.
Talk To Your Online Hosts
Much of business software is now online. While this is valuable for businesses, as it provides instant and constant access, it also makes you more vulnerable to hackers. To ensure that your information is safe, it’s smart to keep open communication with your internet service providers and the companies whose software you utilize and know their security practices.
- SSL: The secure sockets layer is used to keep logged-in sessions safe. Be sure that the company secures your login activity with this.
- VeriSign Global Site Certificate: This is an extra layer of protection, often partnered with SSL, used to verify your login.
- Online security software: For your part, you can choose to purchase and install software to protect your online interactions. Titanium Internet Security and Safe Surfing for Mac are two highly rated programs.
With so much information online, it’s critical that you keep your private information safe. So, when you’re prepared for hackers, you are sure to see less problems and better security. The internet leaves you susceptible to any number of attacks and your first line of defense is to take the proper security precautions.
Photo credit: balboacapital.com
