Securing Your Personal Information: A Guide for Business Owners
Last year the number of data breaches increased by a staggering 68{db9acdd2b5204ea72ac6ab2312f7630b6e282665344bcd151a43454148e44b67}. Fraudulent and malicious attackers are after your business data, even if you don’t realize it. So how can you keep them at bay?
Internet security sounds technical, but there are many small tips you can use to protect your data. Read on as we discuss how to safeguard your personal information.
1. Always Remember You Are a Target
You should always keep in mind that you are a target. Even if you are a small business owner with a relatively succinct email list, the information will be useful to someone. Always have the mindset that someone may be trying to get into your information and keep it secure.
2. Know the Laws and Regulations
Depending on where you are located and what areas people access your website from, you will have laws and regulations that cover online privacy and the storing of information. While complying can take time and effort, they are there to protect you and your customers.
Make sure you know what they are and take proactive action, or you could end up with a fine and damage to your reputation.
3. Create Strong Passwords
Having a different password for every login and account can be frustrating. Yet varied and strong passwords are essential for online security. Make sure they change regularly, both by yourself and your employees.
Passwords should consist of a variety of characters, letters, and numbers. If it is possible to install two-factor authentication, then do so.
You should also avoid using any information that is in the public domain, such as the name of your products or services. Don’t overshare your likes and dislikes on social media, as these can relate to your password choices, and get used to accessing accounts.
4. Educate on Emails
A lot of malicious software finds its way into your business operations through email. This could be through fraudulent accounts or files sent to you and your employees. If you educate your staff on what to look for, you can avoid any surprises in your inbox.
You can also invest in software to help. Make sure you have a robust antivirus that scans any downloads. Get an email cleaning tool that will purge any malicious software.
5. Update Regularly
Updates to software and applications are not just there to increase functionality. They are often responses to web security weaknesses that have been seen in the product. When you don’t update you invite fraudsters in through an open door.
Most products will have automatic updates. If you are using a website that may result in downtime, then schedule your updates for times of low traffic. This can cut down on any loss of trade or business that could occur as a result.
Securing Personal Information
Once personal information gets into the hands of fraudsters, it can be sold or used to extract finances from your accounts. Just a few of these tips implemented regularly will help keep you safe.
This article is one of many to safeguard your information. From online security to finance, we can help you traverse the digital economy in the coming year.
