Most businesses use the internet in some capacity today. Because so much business takes place online, cybercrime has become a lot more common. Unfortunately, cybercrime can be very hard to dodge, especially if you’re naïve and don’t understand the basics of cyber security.
It’s fair to say that cyber security is becoming a top priority for a lot of businesses and even private individuals. If you want to protect yourself from cybercriminals and keep yourself safe online, then look no further than this post. Here is how you can handle your cyber security.
Private Security
One of the most effective ways of protecting your business online is to enlist the help of a professional online security company. Hiring a managed security services provider is a great way of ensuring that your business doesn’t get targeted and hacked by cybercriminals. It’s also worth noting that in addition to actively protecting you, these companies will also be able to teach you a thing or two about staying safe online, which will benefit you in the future. Make sure that you always read a company’s reviews before hiring them, so that you can be sure they offer a high-quality service.
Using Firewall
On all of your electronic devices make sure that you have a firewall installed. A firewall is a great protective barrier, which will prevent hackers and viruses from being able to access your device. While it is theoretically possible for an especially skilled hacker to get through a firewall, it’s very unlikely that they will attempt to, unless your business handles huge amounts of money. Most private security companies will create a unique firewall for you, personalized to you and your business, which is another good reason to hire them.
Anti-malware Scans
In addition to having a firewall in place, you should also have robust anti-malware software, which you should regularly use to scan your entire device. Malware is a particularly malicious type of virus. Anti-malware, therefore, is a program that’s designed specifically to look for and target malware infections. There are some very effective anti-malware programs available for free on the internet, although if you hire a security company, again, they will likely build a private one just for you. Anti-malware scans should be conducted once or twice a week; they run in the background so you can get on with your daily work while your device is being scanned.
SSL Certificate
An SSL certificate is essential if you want to protect data that’s being transmitted through your website, and also if you want to gain your audience’s trust. Unfortunately, most web users won’t do business with a website that doesn’t have an SSL certificate. The reason for this is that most firewalls flag up websites that aren’t protected with SSL certificates as potentially dangerous. An SSL certificate encrypts all of the data and traffic coming through your site, preventing hackers from being able to access and use it.
Common Sense
If you want to keep yourself safe on the internet, then you need to exercise common sense. Most people who fall victim to hackers and cybercriminals do so because they haven’t been behaving responsibly on the internet. It is very easy to detect, identify, and then prevent potential internet scams. If you receive any unsolicited emails from people asking for money, don’t send them any. Similarly, avoid suspicious websites. If you do these things, then you should be able to avoid falling victim to any criminals or malicious viruses.
Phishing Emails
Phishing emails are a commonly used tactic by criminals. If you receive emails from an unknown source with a strange title promising money, then it is probably a phishing email. Sometimes phishing emails are also sent out under the auspice of being from a person’s bank or utility provider. The idea of a phishing email is to get the recipient to click the link given and submit their private information or personal details, which can then be used to commit fraud. Phishing emails are very common and can be easily avoided. If you get any, then make sure that you report the link that’s been sent to you and warn your friends.
Password Storage
Be very careful where you store your passwords, especially if they are passwords used for your online banking or any accounts connected to your bank account. Unfortunately, a lot of people store their passwords on documents on their device’s desktops. Doing this leaves your accounts wide open for hackers. All a hacker or criminal needs to do is to infect your device with a virus, then they can begin looking through your documents, stealing your passwords, and using them to access your accounts. If you are going to write down passwords, then write them down on a piece of paper and store them in a safe
Using VPNs
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. VPNs encrypt your location and IP address, preventing criminals from being able to track you or monitor you online. The use of VPNs is becoming a lot more common because people are waking up to the fact that criminals can watch them and their online activity if they don’t have one activated. You are especially vulnerable to hackers if you use public Wi-Fi networks with VPNs activated. VPNs also come with other benefits, as they allow you to prevent your ISP from monitoring you, prevent marketers from sending you targeted, unsolicited messages, and they allow you to watch geographically-restricted content on streaming services.
User Access
Finally, make sure that you limit who has access to your business’s private files and accounts. If you own a business with a physical location, then limit your staff’s access to devices that contain sensitive information. Data breaches and thefts often occur from within. Preventing unauthorized staff from accessing sensitive information will protect you, your customers, and your business, ensuring that no data is leaked, stolen, or sold to criminals. Make sure that you password-protect all of your devices, too.
Running a business can be challenging, especially today when everything is done online. Not only do business owners have to worry about property crime, but they also have to worry about internet criminals hacking them. The guidance issued in this post will help you to keep yourself safe online, so give each point consideration.