Businesses big and small must have security to remain successful and criminal-free. For smaller companies, it can be hard to implement the right security measures that work and are beneficial. You should always protect your information and sensitive data from any malware and cyber-criminals who are trying to steal from you. You will be surprised at how many small businesses have been a victim to hackers and thieves. Criminals are drawn to small businesses because of the lack of security, so it should be required to have security plans and policies together.
There are multiple ways you can secure your business’ sensitive information from those looking to harm. All of these ways are important in the process of making and keeping a small company guarded.
1. Update technology
The most important way to ensure that you are safe from cybercriminals and malware is to keep your technology updated. There are many things that have to be paid attention to when it comes to technology associated with businesses. Technology isn’t just your hardware, it is your software as well. You want to make sure that your laptops, monitors, desktops, and other technical systems are up to date. From your television and streaming devices/gadgets to PCs and operating machines, should all be updated to ensure security.
The software and applications should also stay up to date to keep criminals out. If you are behind on updates or your software and hardware is outdated, it can be easier for harm to come your way. You must think about any kind of system or software that you utilize and ensure they are all the latest version.
Any operating systems and web browsers should be up to date as well. If you utilize cloud software, updates should be automatic, but if you utilize other software and apps, you should check periodically if they have been updated.
2. Have backups set in place
You should always have backups set in place if you are running a small business. No matter the business type, you will come across issues and unexpected problems that you have to improvise to solve or have a backup plan set in place. When you are trying to keep your business secure, you want to ensure that you have a backup for your information. There are devices created specifically for this, and they make the lives of small business owners easier.
Regular backups are important and should take place on your computer. You can either back them up to your computers hard drive or you could purchase an external hard drive that you can carry around with you or keep in a secure place. You should always keep a copy of your information somewhere in case of an emergency or an accident. You should always be prepared for unexpected events when owning a business. Having backups in place is the ideal way to create a more secure business. Try to use encrypted passwords to help keep your information safe.
3. Secure WiFi
Your wifi matters more than you think. You must have a secure WiFi to allow peace of mind when it comes to others trying to attack your servers to get to your data. It can be easy for cybercriminals to get access to your private and sensitive information if you are using an unsecured internet connection.
If you have employees, secure it to where only you and your employees can access the internet or if you want an even more secure WiFi connection, deny them access. You could even have a separate network specifically for your employees or customers if you want to allow them access.
You don’t want uninvited guests on your network with access to your data and business information. To help prevent unwanted people on your connection and to increase security on your business, you should separate the networks used. Make sure to have passcodes for each network and create passcodes that are memorable but strong.
4. VPNs
You can also add certain software to your devices and create a safer and secure network for browsing and handling business online. VPNs, or virtual private networks, are great for anyone who wants to use the world wide web safely and comfortably. Installing a VPN to a device can be complicated, websites like Troypoint.com have guides and how-tos to help you download onto firesticks and even on routers. For most devices, whether it be a computer or a firestick, are compatible and can be secured by a VPN.
VPNs have many benefits, along with keeping your internet connection secure, like:
● Privacy
● Security
● Bypass Geoblocks
● Increase internet speeds
VPNs are great for creating a safer place for your business online. Geoblocks are set in place to block content and users from certain places on the web be the location. For example, some websites may be legal in the united states and not legal in the United Emirates. You can bypass these limitations by installing a VPN on your device. When you are surfing the web, the server you are on will not see that IP address of your device but the proxy server the VPN connects you to.
4. Educate team members
You should always strive to have intelligent and knowledgeable team members and employees. You want to keep them educated on the security of the business. You can’t keep something safe if everyone involved doesn’t know the measures to do so. Educate your team members to help with the safety of business information and data. Some of your employees may be handling such information and you should ensure that they understand why and how you should keep the business secure.
Your team should go through some sort of training to implement security measures and policies. Explain to your employees how they should work and how they should keep sensitive files and information safe. Intelligent employees will most definitely protect you from any harm to your business.
