Small businesses and firms are getting more productive than ever before because of high internet speed, interconnected devices, web based tools and digital applications. But this efficiency can turn things at loss making it to stiff price if your website, social media accounts, financial data, or customer data when they fall prey to cyber thieves or information stealers.
So, it is the matter of concern to every business owner to take protective measures for their business, in this era of internet.
Contents
- 1 Below are 10 must-use internet security tips for the small business to run it smoothly, securely and safely.
- 2 Tip 1 – Equip the machines with latest softwares
- 3 Tip 2 – Get your Wi-Fi networks secured
- 4 Tip 3 – Establish basic security practices
- 5 Tip 4 – Secure Internet connection with firewall security
- 6 Tip 5 – Build mobile device action plan
- 7 Tip 6 – Ensure backup and retrieving all the business data and information
- 8 Tip 7 – Manage the physical access to the computer
- 9 Tip 8 – Protect payment systems and data
- 10 Tip 9 – Limit the authority to access and installation
- 11 Tip 10 – Implement multi-factor authentication
Below are 10 must-use internet security tips for the small business to run it smoothly, securely and safely.
Tip 1 – Equip the machines with latest softwares
Ensure your computer is equipped with latest security softwares, operating systems, and web browsers. This can help your system in getting the best defense against viruses, malware and other threats. Install the key software updates in no-time since their availability and set the software to run a scan after each update.
Tip 2 – Get your Wi-Fi networks secured
Make sure the Wi-Fi network at your workspace is secured, encrypted, and hidden. Set-up the wireless router OR access point to avoid the broadcast of network name, which is called as the Service Set Identifier (SSID) in order to hide the Wi-Fi network. Also set-up the password protects access.
Tip 3 – Establish basic security practices
Set up the security practices and policies for the employees like requiring strong passwords, also set up Internet use guidelines with the detailed penalties when violated the policies. Try immaculately setting up the rules of behavior that describes the handling and protecting customer information and other important information.
Tip 4 – Secure Internet connection with firewall security
Prevent outsiders from accessing your data on a private network with firewall, which is a set of related programs. Ensure operating system’s firewall is enabled and if not, install the free firewall software available. In case of employees who work from home, make sure the home systems are protected by firewall.
Tip 5 – Build mobile device action plan
Mobiles create huge security and management challenges, as they hold confidential information and can also access the business network. In this case the users are required to set up passwords to protect their devices, encrypt the data, and install the security apps that avoid thefts of information while the phone is on the public networks. Make sure to set the reporting procedures in case of any theft or lost equipment.
Tip 6 – Ensure backup and retrieving all the business data and information
Plan the regular backup of the key data on all the systems. The key data must include all the word documents, spreadsheets, databases, financial files, accountable files, human resource files. Backup the data automatically, or weekly either offsite or in cloud.
Tip 7 – Manage the physical access to the computer
Create user accounts for each person to prevent access or use of business systems by any other unauthorized individuals. Administrative privileges must be given only o the trusted staff and key personnel.
Tip 8 – Protect payment systems and data
Securing your data when it comes to transactions and payments is important. Working with bank OR card processors to ensure the safety, while using the validated tools and anti-fraud services is highly recommended. Make sure to isolate the payment systems form others. Do not use the same system to process payments and surf the internet.
Never provide the complete access of the data to single employee. The employees must be given the access to specific data they will require to perform their jobs. Never allow installing of softwares without permission.
Tip 10 – Implement multi-factor authentication
Let your employees use strong passwords and change them every 3 – 6 months together. Consider the multi-factor authentication which will require the additional information. Also check with the vendors that manage the sensitive data, especially the financial ones to know if they offer the multi-factor authentication.
Take Away
The VPN providers can be an extra hand when it comes to privacy, speed and unblocking services. There are many VPN providers found online that can prove to best for your firm.
