It seems as though you can’t get through the news without hearing about another big company having their data breached by hackers. Cyberattacks are becoming all too common, and your business is at real risk if you haven’t taken steps to secure that data and stay ahead of the bad guys. Here are 5 ways to keep your companys data secure:
1. Update Your Software
Whenever there is an update available for your operating system or any of the software that you regularly use, make sure to get the job done ASAP. Many of the updates are put in place to close off loopholes in the security, which means that failing to update will leave you open to cyberattack. Better to take a few minutes to update than to have all your company data open and accessible.
2. Use a Password Manager
It’s not a smart idea to use the same password for everything you need to log into, but most of us do just that, simply because we can’t remember all of those different log-ins. Password managers have been around for a while, and they are still regularly used because they are so effective. You only need to remember a single password to get into it, and all of your info is encrypted when saved. Furthermore, the manager will create complex new passwords, which it will save for you, whenever you need to log in to a new program.
3. Ditch Flash Player
It’s nice to get online and play some games on the company network when lunch break rolls around, but doing so could create a security risk. The vast majority of online games are run using Flash Player, which is known to have a rather poor security record. Most browsers let you disable Flash as needed, and then allow it to run for certain trusted programs.
4. HTTPS Everywhere
If you have used a website that is securely encrypted, you probably noticed that the URL began with HTTPS. This shows that the site has indeed been secured, and while you might assume that this is only used by banks and online retailers, you would be wrong. Many sites have this in place, but they do not send you to the secure site by default. By using the HTTPS Everywhere browse extension, you will be guaranteed to be taken to the encrypted pages of any site that has been secured that way.
5. Two-Factor Authentication
This is a great option to have if you are at risk of having your passwords stolen. When that happens, you will be notified of an attempted log-in via your mobile device, and given an authentication code. It goes without saying the person who stole your password will not have this code, and will be unable to access your account without. It’s a great second line of defense that all companies should use.
Putting these 5 steps into action will instantly help improve your security level, but the job is not done there. It is still recommended that your company call in the security experts to ensure that your data is as secure as possible, and as tough as it gets for hackers to navigate.
Read our article on Typical Small Business Technology Issues
