Improve Cyber Security before it is too late!
Most people believe that online security just means that you should be worry about virus and Trojan horses. Unfortunately; there is a longer list of security issues online: thousands of credit cards have been used for unauthorized purchases, bank accounts have been ransacked, competitors spied on your business due to security problems… But that’s not all!
Even though the Internet usage has grown, there is still little awareness of the need for cyber security. Symantec, a global leader in providing security, estimates that “there are at least 245 million cyber attacks worldwide each yearâ€. Nowadays, businesses – especially small ones– could be a new target for cyber attacks. Hackers may believe that these types of businesses are weak and do not have a solid protection program. Show them you do!
Thus, online security must definitely become a main priority for your Website. You have to identify threats and take the correct measures to avoid them in the future and even most important you must protect your personal and financial information and the identity of your clients from being stolen.
Having a secure behavior will help you build a more responsible and consistent image not only for your clients, but also among your business environment. Give it the importance it deserves. Cyber attacks can lead you to a huge sales reduction, a harmful reputation with customers and even bankruptcy! According to a research done by the user experience company Foviance, “three-quarters of online shoppers have reported at least one login or online security problem in the past three months”, that could have led them to abandon their online transactions.
How to avoid these security issues? Here, there are some simple tips to follow:
1)Â Â Â Â Â Install security programs and keep them updated. Be sure that all your employees update their antivirus/firewall programs and know how to use them! Security is an every day thing, so it has to be part of their routine.
2)     Don’t open unsolicited emails or files sent through Instant Messenger. Don’t click on the links that they provide and do not open attached files because they may have malware that can open backdoors for hackers.
3)     Launch a security training program to involve all your employees. Take the time to teach your workers how to detect unsecured Web sites and how to protect their data, etc. It isn’t a waste of time, but an inversion. Teach them not to download files or programs from unknown Websites. Taking the time to do this will be extremely useful in eventual attacks your business may suffer. Do it now! It is better to be prepared than have an untrained staff in the “chaotic cyber attacks scenarioâ€. It is like an evacuation plan for a fire, you must do it in order to avoid paranoia when it happens. You can also “prize†those workers who best do their protection tasks.
4)     Use STRONG passwords and change them periodically. Protect your information with passwords and change them every month. Avoid using personal information such as birthdays as your password. Be sure that you are entering to secure sites while working or doing research.
5)Â Â Â Â Â Become more personal. Even if you are an online business, you should know who your clients are. Try to have a personalized contact with them. This means not only having an online relationship, but also using other ways of communication: such as phone calls or meetings. Hackers can disguise as potential customers and try to attack you pretending to be interested in your products or services.
6) Hire an IT expert. If you can afford this kind of service, you can choose an expert who can regularly visit your offices and check that everything is doing fine. Carefully select a professional who you can trust in. Make sure your IT expert takes you seriously and do his or her job in the best way possible.
Everybody wants to protect their personal and confidential information. Therefore, security has to be a priority for your business. The key is to motivate all the members of your team in order to take it seriously. The crucial thing is to be aware and constantly updated. Protect yourself and your customers too! What are you waiting? Improve cyber security before it is too late.
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