Cybercrime is on the rise, and businesses of all sizes are at risk. So why are so many business owners still leaving their sensitive data vulnerable? The answer is simple: most business owners don’t understand how cybercrime works and don’t know how to protect their business from hackers. Here are seven ways that you can protect your business from cybercriminals.
Using one-time payment methods
As a business owner, it’s only natural that you and your employees will need to pay invoices from time to time. But using a standard business credit card can put your finances at risk if your credit card number ever falls victim to a data breach.
Instead, companies can use virtual card services like Divvy (https://getdivvy.com) to protect their financial data. Virtual cards are a great way to keep your business safe from cybercrime. These cards are a one-time payment method that allows you to make online purchases without revealing your personal credit card information. This way, the business won’t lose money even if the one-time number falls into the wrong hands.
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Using strong passwords and changing them often
When creating a password for your business, choose something no one else would guess. Don’t use words from the dictionary or something related to your own life story. That makes it all too easy for hackers to gain access. Instead, use strong passwords.
Strong passwords are long, unique to your business, not found in the dictionary, and contain capital letters, numbers, keyboard symbols, and punctuation marks. And remember: if hackers get a hold of one password for your business, they’ll try it again on every other account related to your business. That’s why changing passwords frequently is crucial.
If you want maximum protection, change your password every ninety days and avoid writing it down anywhere easily accessible.
Using secure devices
When working with confidential customer information, it’s essential to use secure computers. Computers need antivirus software and firewalls to keep hackers out. Data encryption is also vital because it means that even if thieves obtain your data somehow, they won’t be able to read or use any sensitive client data.
It’s also worth investing in mobile security for tablets and smartphones used by employees. It will help protect sensitive company data from would-be cybercriminals on the go.
Constantly updating software on your computer system
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself against cybercrime is by staying up-to-date on software updates. If new releases appear, update as soon as possible to patch vulnerabilities and bugs that cybercriminals could use as an open invitation into your system.
Remember, outdated systems are weak systems that make you vulnerable to an attack.
You should check your software’s update history to see when the latest version was released.
Software companies release patches every month, so if it’s been longer than that since your last update, you should be concerned. You can wait until most software companies require updates before updating all of your computers at once, but the best course of action is to update as soon as possible after each new patch becomes available.
Not sharing sensitive information over open Wi-Fi networks
Never send sensitive information over public Wi-Fi networks. It’s just not safe. Instead, use virtual private networks (VPNs) or direct connections to protect against data leaks, which are often the result of compromised Wi-Fi connections. If you have to use a public network, avoid entering personal information to protect your business from cybercrime.
Ensure that your data stays secure by disabling remote access on computers where it isn’t needed. Also, make sure you keep physical copies of sensitive data in a safe location with restricted access.
Personal computers should never be used to store company data because they lack enterprise-grade security. Talk to your company’s IT professional about what you can do to reduce the risk of a data leak.
Installing anti-malware software to keep your computer system clean
Many hackers don’t need to find vulnerabilities to access an unprotected system. All cybercriminals have to do is send your computer virus files and wait for you to click on them without thinking twice. That’s why it’s essential to install anti-malware software to identify potential threats and neutralize them before they can do any harm. Make sure to keep this software updated and active at all times.
Staying educated about cybercrime and how it works
The most intelligent way to guard against a cyber attack is by staying up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity best practices so that your business can avoid these breaches from happening in the first place. Companies have educated professionals ready to help you understand how cybercrime works and what you can do to protect your business before it’s too late.
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Conclusion
Cybercrime is a growing threat for small businesses. While it’s impossible to prevent cybercrime from happening to your business altogether, you can put the odds in your favor by following these tips and using anti-malware systems designed to protect against threats before they do any damage.
