When a small business owner plans to create a website, use cloud accounting tools, or even create a business email, they must plan for cybersecurity. The increase in online business operations has also increased the theft of digital information. Cyber theft has now far surpassed physical theft.

Every business must ensure enough measures are taken to protect the business information from cyber theft.

Online Security Basics for Small Business Websites

The following cybersecurity strategies will protect your small business websites from cybercrimes. These strategies follow security basics to prevent digital information theft of mailing and bookkeeping information of the business. Cybersecurity is essential to protect not only business information but also protect customer information and data.

1. Train Staff in Security Principles

Establish policies and rules of conduct for employees. They cannot misuse or leak out any customer’s data to any other person. Ask them to keep strong passwords of their user accounts on their small business websites and company database.

2. Shield Information, Computers, and Networks from Cyber Attacks

Use an updated version of antivirus on your computer system. Always keep your computer-based machines free of malware, viruses, and online threats.

Popular antivirus, anti-malware, and registry programs that will keep your machine safe and running include AVG Free ,  Spybot Search & Destroy ,  Microsoft Security Essentials ,  Malwarebytes Anti-Malware , and Piriform CCleaner .

3. Provide Firewall Security for your Internet Connection

Ensure a firewall is always on your internet connection. A firewall blocks outsiders from accessing your data on a private internet connection. If an employee works and accesses the business website from his/her home, make sure the firewall is on his/her system.

4. Make a Plan on how to Access Website from Mobile Device

Mobile phones create security issues as mobile phones can be stolen or misplaced easily. Mobile phones must also be installed with firewalls and antivirus programs. Install security apps on your mobile devices.

5. Always Keep Backup of all the Important Business Information on Website and Cloud Accounting Software

Backup all accounting and bookkeeping data for your small business on all computers. Regularly backup the data. Also, backup customer data and databases.

6. Control Physical Access to your Computers and Create User Accounts for Each Employee

Do not give your passwords to your employees. Make user accounts for each user separately. Please give them limited access to data from their accounts. Administrative accounts must be reserved only for administrative staff or key personnel. Laptops can also be stolen. So, always log out of your website account before getting up from your workspace.

7. Secure your Wi-Fi Networks

If you have wi-fi, then secure it with a password. Periodically change the password if there is any fear of a stolen wi-fi password. Your wi-fi must be secure and encrypted. Hide your wi-fi network.

8. Surf the Internet Separately

Use a separate computer for internet surfing. Business bookkeeping, accounting, and banking functions should be done on separate computers.

9. Passwords and Authentication

Change passwords every three months or as frequently as possible. Place a further authentication system after entering the correct password to your small business website.

10. Beware of Spam Emails

Do not open links provided in emails that are not recognized.

You can use SpamkiIler, a web-based program that encrypts email addresses. Even then, do not open unrecognized links in emails.

11. Protect Digital Assets from Cyber Theft

You can protect yourself from customers who want to steal your downloads by using DL Guard.

12. Avoid Over Payment Scams

Sometimes small business owners receive emails on their website emailing account on how they have paid extra somewhere, and they are offered a way to pay the fee by clicking on the links or sending their information to some third party.  Do not fall victim to this scam.

13. Avoid Lucky Draw and Lottery Scams

If any email says your business has won an award or lottery, for which you had never paid, do not open the links.

Conclusion

Digital information theft has increased more than physical theft in today’s era. Cybersecurity measures must be adapted to protect business information as well as customer information from the potential perpetrators. Strict policies and measures should be taken to ensure cybersecurity in small business websites and systems.

Source: https://www.completecontroller.com/