As a small business owner, one of the things that threatens your business the most is cyber crime. No matter how you operate online – some small businesses operate entirely online, while others use online channels for payments and other software only – if your small business falls prey to a breach in cyber security, the integrity of the company could be compromised.
Cyber security is not difficult to implement, but it can be tricky to figure out where the need for protection is greatest for your company.
In this blog we will explore how your small business can keep itself safe from cyber threat.
Business Devices
To protect your small business from cyber security issues, it is important to protect your business devices first and foremost. This includes computers, tablets or devices owned and operated by company employees, on which company files or information will be stored.
There are multiple ways to protect these devices from cyber crime. Let’s take a look at just a few of them.
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- Password managers. Password managers generate and store passwords under one master password, in an encrypted online database. These help make it almost impossible for cyber criminals to hack into business accounts and steal information.
- High quality antivirus software. All business devices should be installed with high quality antivirus software that regularly scans the device for malware. This means if anything does slip through the cracks, your device’s software will detect and destroy it.
- Bans on dodgy sites. It is generally a good idea to block dodgy sites from company devices. This includes illegal streaming websites, pornography sites and other places online that could be a threat to company property.
- Employee training – how to spot scams. Scams are becoming more efficient, and more undetectable, by the day. Conducting employee training on how to spot even the most advanced scams is always a good investment to make.
Payment Channels
The next most vulnerable aspect of your business is its payment channels. Both how your company pays its suppliers, vendors, property managers and employees, and how customers pay you, are in jeopardy if you do not implement payment channels that are safe to use. There is comprehensive and high quality payment processing available here.
What makes a payment channel safe?
Firstly, you need to have SSL protocol on your website. SSL protocol, standing for secure sockets layer, authenticates and encrypts information that is passed between your domain and your server. In short, it makes sure people’s payment information can’t be leached from the website when it is used.
Secondly, your payment channel needs to be insured. Using high quality, well established companies such as PayPal for your company payments is very useful for this; if a crime does occur, these companies are comprehensively insured.
Final Thoughts
If you are considering updating your online security for your small business, make sure to use this guide to ensure you are covering all bases. Cybersecurity is a vital element to the success of your operation; do not underestimate it!
