How to Keep Your Technology (And Business) Safe!

Mat Bullock • December 12, 2022

In these uncertain times, it's more important than ever to make sure your business is safe. Technology is ever-changing, and with that comes new ways for criminals to access your business data. As a business owner, it's important to keep your security protocol up-to-date in order to prevent a data breach. This will not only keep your business safe, but your business finances too! But with so many changes happening all the time, it can be hard to keep up! In this blog post, we’re going to take a look at how to maintain a good level of security for your business.

Why is it Crucial to Keep Your Business Safe Online?

It's no secret that businesses today are increasingly reliant on technology. From communicating with customers and clients to managing day-to-day operations, almost everything a business does takes place online. And while this reliance on technology can bring many benefits, it also comes with some risks. After all, if your website is hacked or your customer data is compromised, it could have serious consequences for your business. That's why it's crucial to take steps to keep your business safe online. So let’s take a look at eight different things you can do to protect your tech and keep your business (and your finances) safe!

1. Use Strong Passwords and Update Them Regularly

One of the easiest ways for criminals to gain access to your business data is through weak passwords. If you're using easily guessed words or phrases, it's time to update your passwords. In order to create strong passwords that will be difficult for hackers to guess, use a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It's also important to update your passwords on a regular basis - at least once every six months.

2. Educate Your Employees on Cybersecurity Protocol

Your employees are the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your business data. Make sure they know what they should be doing in order to keep your data safe. This includes creating strong passwords, not sharing login information, and being aware of phishing scams. You should also have a policy in place for what to do in the event that an employee's device is lost or stolen. When they’re educated, it’s less likely that something will slip through the cracks.

3. Keep Your Software Up-to-Date

Outdated software is one of the most common ways that businesses fall victim to data breaches. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in older versions of software in order to gain access to sensitive information. In order to protect your business, you should make sure that all software - including operating systems, applications, and antivirus programs - is always up-to-date. Set reminders for yourself or have someone on your team responsible for checking for updates on a regular basis.

4. Use Secure File Sharing Services

If you need to share files containing sensitive information with employees or clients, make sure you're using a secure file sharing service. There are many options available, so do some research and find one that fits the needs of your business. When choosing a service, look for features like end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication. You won’t want your data being intercepted online at all and meaning that things get shared publicly when they’re meant to be private.

5. Use Legitimate Programs

Next, when it comes to updating programs and getting new ones, you have to make sure that you only download or buy legitimate programs for your business network. Illegitimate programs may be full of viruses or other malware that can quickly spread through your network, causing serious damage. Although it might be tempting to sideload, you can learn more about this in this post https://setapp.com/how-to/sideloading-apps, it might not be a safe option for you. In addition, illegitimate programs may not have the same security features as legitimate ones, leaving your network vulnerable to attack.

6. Back up Your Data Regularly

In the event that your business does fall victim to a data breach or other type of disaster, it's important to have backups of all essential data. This way you can minimize the damage by quickly restoring any lost or corrupted files. You should back up your data at least once per week - more often if possible! - and store backups offsite in case of fire or theft. You can also turn to resources such as the cloud for this to make your data as easily accessible as you can.

7. Shred Any Documents With Sensitive Information

Sensitive information can fall into the wrong hands if you're not careful. When you're finished with any documents that contain sensitive information, such as account numbers or passwords, be sure to shred them. You can buy a shredder for home use, or there are many companies that offer document shredding services. Either way, it's important to make sure that sensitive information is disposed of properly to keep your business and finances safe.

8. Be Careful What You Post Online

In the age of social media, it's important to be careful about what you post online. While it's great to share information about your business with the world, be aware that anything you post can be seen by anyone—including criminals! If you must post sensitive information online, be sure to encrypt it first (more on that below). And never post anything online that you wouldn't want the whole world to see—remember that once something is online, it's there forever! One of the best ways to protect your business is by keeping things as private as possible.

Protecting Your Business in the Best Possible Ways

Keeping your business (and finances) safe from potential cyber threats may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be! By following these simple tips and staying up-to-date on current threats, you can rest assured knowing that you're taking the necessary steps to protect your business—no matter what comes your way.

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By Mat Bullock • April 3, 2024

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By Mat Bullock • March 12, 2024

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