For small businesses that rely on technology, even those with modest usage (ie a computer with Internet access), maintaining the integrity of sensitive data, such as names, social security numbers, pin numbers and access codes, is a vital priority.
So what can your small business do to protect its valuable data? Keep in mind that we are talking about digital poaching, so leaks and hacking prevention must take place in the digital sphere. Here are several vital security tips to protect your business’ confidential data against would-be hackers and thieves:
- Use data encryption software. Be sure to encrypt sensitive data and always use the newest protective software. Encryption entails assigning a secret code that prevents unauthorized parties from accessing your data. Use at least WPA2 encryption on your wireless networks to protect them from hackers.
- Install up-to-date anti-virus software. Look for antivirus products that include anti spyware and anti-phishing security features, and make sure to install this software on all of your computers.
- Back up your data. Making a physical backup of your small business’s information is a necessity that many small business owners overlook. There are several reliable data backup solutions on the market, including backup software programs, tape backups, external hard drives, and off-site backup services.
- Activate firewalls on all of your computers. Although firewalls are unable to stop all of the attacks, they definitely reduce some risks, such as if another computer on the network is compromised by hackers.
- Run updates regularly. Protecting your computers against hackers is an ongoing task. Hackers make it their business to locate new vulnerabilities on your computer operating systems and networks. Have automatic updates enabled on your Windows-based computers. That way, when security fixes are released from Microsoft, updating of your computer systems will be automatic.
- Ensure employee cooperation. Get your employees to change their passwords periodically and use general security tools to ensure that their home computers are safeguarded against attacks and malicious programs. If possible, have employees use non-administrator accounts (standard users). Due to the fact that most exploits are accomplished these days through email, web browsing, and infected USB devices, activate parental controls to restrict what can be installed on your computers.
- Research your Internet service provider. The company providing you with Internet access often offers other parties easy access to your private information. Look into its past records. Has it ever been hacked? Also, make sure to use an email service that filters spam and viruses before they can reach your account.
- Conduct online banking and install financial software on a dedicated computer. Set up a non-administrative user account and parental controls to restrict what websites this computer can visit. This is a highly effective way to block the most common method used by hackers to steal money from small businesses. Malicious software sniffs your online bank credentials, which are used to transfer funds directly to money mules. Using a dedicated computer with only financial applications can help to keep your information private.
When it comes to information security, prevention is the key. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Sources:
http://www.allbusiness.com/crime-law-enforcement-corrections/criminal-offenses-fraud/14701305-1.html http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/resources/technology/security/Keep_your_small_business_safe_10_tips.mspx http://www.securosis.com/blog/top-5-security-tips-for-small-business/