via NewsWatch
When you’re running a business, security should be at the top of the list of concerns. You already know that security of the physical structure of your building is a must if you run a brick-and-mortar store.
However, it also has to do with cyber security especially if you run a large portion of your business online or are completely online.
With so many criminals out there who are willing to help themselves with whatever you have in terms of data and private information, you need to make sure that you are taking steps to protect your business. To prevent thieves from scampering off with what you have, here are some of the main ways that you should go about making sure that your data is always secure.
Teach Your Employees
One of the biggest steps you can take is to make sure that you are giving your staff the keys to the information that will protect you. Giving them a sword and shield is the only way to make sure that you stay ahead of the game when it comes to cyber or security.
Remember that cyber criminals are extremely clever, and they know the ins and outs of just about any security system out there. They pride themselves on being ninjas when it comes to cracking codes.
The only way to make sure that they’re not the hero in your story is to inform your staff about all the dangers that are out there and how to spot them.
Guard Against Employee Dishonesty
We have just spoken about how you should empower your staff. At the same time, it should always be understood that there may be some untrustworthy people in the boat.
While you want to trust all your employees it would be foolish for you to blindly do so. Make sure that you put limitations on the types of data security that some people can access.
This way when there is a security breach you will be more likely to point your finger to say who is responsible and not have your face go red with embarrassment from being wrong.
Make Sure Your Software Is Up to Date
It can be easy to fall into the trap of “I will update my software later”. Unfortunately, that is music to a cyber criminal’s ears. The slightest loop in your security is enough for them to slither in like the proverbial snake when the lights are turned off and they snatch as much of your data as is available to them.
This type of j6can cripple your business for days, weeks, and months, businesses have been known to go under from these types of stealth attacks. Whenever software is ready to be updated go ahead and do so.
It usually means that an important security breach has now been closed by the manufacturer and you need to ensure that you lock the gates from the cyber criminals on your end.
Confuse Them With Difficult Passwords
When it comes to passwords, the more you can keep cyber criminals guessing, the better it will be for your business.
They should not be able to get your password very quickly or use software to bypass it. The way you do this is by making sure that your passwords are as complicated as possible.
You can put a centralized password management system in place for your business. This way you will have more control of the passwords that everyone is using.
This packs a punch and makes sure that there are rarely any security breaches when it comes to passwords. Make sure that you use multi-factor authentication, fingerprint, or biometric clearance whenever you can.
Make sure that getting through your security system is a headache, such a headache for cybercriminals that they get agitated. This is the only way to secure yourself from cybercriminal attacks. They’ll get frustrated with all the pain and move on.
Encrypt Everything
Make sure that you encrypt everything. The more secure your data is through encryption, the less likely it is that a cybercriminal who is intent on doing you harm will be able to do so.
Always make sure that you are protecting your entire network. Don’t skimp on doing this for your cloud connections as well. Cybercriminals can sneak into those little cracks and crevices that you forget to seal up and make mischief.
Back It Up
Just as police officers often call for backup when they are out on a dangerous mission, protecting your cyber security is a dangerous mission as well. Every day you need to make sure that you are calling for backup.
This is easy to do and it can even be automated for you. You may make the mistake of not backing up your data one day and that is the day when the cyber criminals attack you with spears, swords, javelins, and just about everything else in their arsenal.
Once they pull out those weapons and you’re not protected you may lose some important information for your customers. If this is personal it can cause trust issues that could cripple your business.
Keep an Inventory of Your Devices
Cyber attacks happen in a business on just about any device. If you’re going to the stage where you have to give your employees devices for their jobs, then you need to make sure that you know what’s going on with the devices at all times.
You need to find a way to control which devices are locked into your network at any given time.
What many businesses do is make sure that they only let authorized devices log on. This can certainly keep hackers scratching their heads as they will not have access to devices that may be critical to stealing.
