10 Online Security Tips for Small Business
Many of us think because we have the latest version of anti-virus and anti-malware software running on our computer, our business is safe. This is definitely not the case.
There are many other situations you could be compromising your information and that of your customers. Your website, the basis of your online marketing and income, could come under attack.
It is prudent to look at all areas of your activities and have all of them covered. This article outlines all those areas to keep you secure.
10 Online Security Tips for Small Business
- Anti-virus. Yes, this is an absolute must. Your other option is to get an Apple Mac. Having said that, as Apple computers become more popular, there are more chances that problems will develop in the future. Your anti-virus software must contain anti-malware components.
- Firewall. Your operating system should already have this as a part of your network connection. This should always be turned on. There are addition software packages that are small and light, that can do a lot more. Software that allows to monitor incoming connections with more detail is a great idea as an addition to your firewall.
- Chat Client. While many people care about their internet communication, they often forget how insecure the standard chatting clients are. Products like Yahoo’s messenger and MSN messenger are broadcasting your chats for the world to see. Look for a chat client like Adium, that allows you to encrypt your messages. Skype is also pretty good for this.
- Hard Disk. Storing your information is very important. If your laptop gets stolen or lost, you could be in real trouble. Again Apple comes up trumps here. File Vault will encrypt your whole hard drive. Make sure you have something like this with whatever system you are using.
- Back Up. There are those who have lost data, and those who will. Make sure you are backing up at least 1 time a day. There are very good systems available. Again, Apple’s Time Machine, is an excellent example. It is not just a copy of your files, it is a complete snapshot of your system. Get this type of backup for what ever system you have.
- Online Storage and File Transfer. Online backup and storage is one of the best ways to protect your information. If you want to go the whole way, you can keep your laptop or computer just about empty — a great solution for business. Make sure the client you are using is secure. This goes without saying with any file transfer… no, those normal networks will not do the job.
- Payments. There are a number of systems that allow you to make and receive payments without sharing information of your customers. This is the best way for you. It might cost you a little bit in charges, but at least you will not have to worry about having anyone’s credit card details lying around. You are responsible for them too.
- Email. This is another area many of us forget about. Having the right software to encrypt your emails is extremely important. Encryption means that others will need a key to access the information, otherwise it will be useless.
- Website Firewall. Yes! Websites should have a Firewall too. Make sure your website design and setup incorporates this. This is your best defense against hackers harassing your site. This is extremely important if you are in the business of e-commerce.
- Online Physical Monitoring. Yes, set up cameras and watch them live online, where ever you are. You never can be too careful.
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These are great tips that every SMB should consider. Encryption, backup, firewalls and anti-virus are all important aspects of data protection. There are many choices for SMBs to look at when it comes to protecting their data. Here at Symantec, we’ve found that giving SMBs the choice to implement the solution that works best for their particular company and their particular IT environment leads to the best data protections scenario. Whether that solution comes in the form of an appliance, traditional software or even a cloud solution, there will be something that works for each organization. Choice and flexibility are important for SMBs and the following Symantec blog post offers some additional insight that might be useful to your readers: http://bit.ly/prb9u1
Chris Halcon
Symantec
Great information that you shared! This will surely come in handy..
Wendy´s last blog ..Accommodation In Chamonix
Many believe also that free programs are as good as the paid programs, but it is wrong, paying a little and get a higher security for your computer.
I think that this is something that a lot of people underestimate. You cannot compromise with the security of your business. Talking from experience, I had to lose all of my information related to my business and customers to realise the importance of back up.
Adams Reed´s last blog ..Three 401k Rules You Should Follow
Online security is paramount when it’s your business. I was just reading an article where a guy had his domain name hacked and transfer to another host. His email was hacked and so they intercepted his emails about leaving his current host and transferring the domain. They cleaned all up (setup filters from his old host to trash any new emails etc) and didn’t change too much so that he wouldn’t notice. It took him a while to get it all back, but he did eventually. Scary story. It made me go and use two-step authentication with my gmail account.
Great advice! We just have to take the first steps to implement them for everyday usage.
The security of an online business is very important not only for the protection of the business but most importantly for the protection of its clients, people want to be safe when they make an online transaction and if you cannot guarantee this to your costumers you will certainly fail.
Kostas | Opportunities Planet
Online Opportunities´s last blog ..3 Easy Ways to Increase Online Sales
I’m using a Firewall plugin from SEOEgghead (this can be downloaded for free from the WordPress/plugins site).
This is really an amazing plugin and it protects a WordPress blog against all sorts of attacks, such as directory traversals, SQL queries, executable file uploads…
The plugin can also be setup to send out a notification email whenever an attack occurs.
Commission Commando´s last blog ..Simple Article Marketing Tips And Strategies For More Traffic And Backlinks
So many things i wasnt aware of. thanks for this essential information for a beginner like me
barak´s last blog ..Old Dog & New Tricks – Deaf dog tricks, step 1 (dog’s attention)
Nice security tips. Backing up of data is my priority as I need it very much.
Word Templates´s last blog ..Gift Certificate Template
Great tips on the security concerns you have provided. I should start looking at my company security cos it seems that I have missed out a lot.
Keith Ong
These are really useful tips. Even I have been thinking about Mac in the future. Currently there are no known viruses. It all could change as it is getting more users. I have seen businesses using live chat via web. This is very useful if its a small web hosting business. Regular backups and SSL certificates are also crucial.
Cheolsu´s last blog ..Top 100 Facebook Status Updates
Online security is a serious matter, especially for small businesses. As for me, I still go for firewall, it’s still the most dependable first line of defense against any cyber attack.So every system must have one installed.
Alex @ Easy ways to make money online´s last blog ..CodeCanyon
Your tips are valuable. There can be too many trojans or hjacks softwares running sliently on machines. For example altough i am using viruse program for my personal PC. A hjack sofware (whereever come..) steal my website password which is in a txt file and on desktop of my PC. When i open this file i saw a note under the page. I did’nt open my website with my password. Fortunately i figure out to change password by edit database. As a result. Not only viruse program but also spyware must be used for more security.