In 2016, online giants Yahoo, SnapChat and DrobBox all succumbed to the viciousness of online predators. Glitches are also commonplace nowadays as many hackers continue to put established systems into test. In all these, one thing is quite evident: online security should be a priority concern when doing business. One swoop by a hacker or a glitch in your own system can easily put your company on a standstill. While keeping an impregnable online system in place is a noteworthy goal, it can also be impossible to achieve. There are certain ways, however, for you to protect your business from any online harm.
Internet Guest Network. Pump up your Wi-Fi and router security with the right protection system in place. If you are a coffee shop or a restaurant or conference center that offers free Wi-Fi use to clients and customers, for instance, set up a guest network functionality that allows outsiders to use the same system while keeping classified information safe. Router must carry a different SSID and password must be changed regularly. If possible, request your ISP provider to enable WPA2 encryption.
In-Office Computer Security. Always have these 3 systems in place: firewall, anti-virus and anti-malware. When choosing a software, pick one that automatically updates, fixes bugs, scans and identifies suspicious websites, and identifies new security issues. Set-up an office policy on opening email attachments, password protection, file back-ups, and encryption method. Operating system of computers must also be regularly updated.
Social Media Policy. For companies who maintain social media business pages by virtue of an office admin or third-party service provider, it is imperative to have a foolproof social media policy in place. Use proprietary platforms with limited access, too. To prevent virus or malware infestation, limiting social media usage inside the office may also be enforced.
Online Banking and Commerce. Many businesses today rely on online banking for their business accounts as well as an accessible and convenient conduit for their online shops. Find a bank which can provide you two-factor authentication. Make sure that only you or a designated administrator only have access to such. When creating passwords, it is imperative to use alphanumeric keys—and change them regularly, too. As always, never do online banking in a public network.
Customer Data Protection. Set up an airtight privacy policy on customer information and, as much as possible, keep administrator access to such information minimal. When engaging in third-party service providers, always arrange a nondisclosure agreement beforehand. For offices that require employee access to such data, make sure to clearly state on company policy that accessing information must only be done when at work. Using of a VPN and encryption software is also highly recommended.
As important as preventing any data breach from happening, it is also important to hatch a plan that will counter any form of cyber attack or data breach. Consult with a cyber-security expert who can recover or block data being compromised or stolen. Learn from the experience and ensure that such harrowing situation will not happen again.
