Keep Your Company Safe Online With These Practices

It’s vital to practice cyber safety especially when small businesses are a huge target for cyber scams and hacking (they account for almost half the attacks). All it takes is one click on the wrong Facebook ad and your computer is infected. Being that it’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month, let’s go over some ways your business can establish safe online practices. 

Have unique passwords for each account. 

If someone gets ahold of one of your passwords, they will only have access to that account. If you choose to use the same password, hackers have an easier chance of accessing other accounts if they can get into one. Make them long and throw in some characters!

Keep your software updated. 

All of it. From your QuickBooks account to your spyware. If you don’t keep your software up-to-date, your information is easier to access since the system has vulnerabilities that haven’t been updated. 

Invest in anti-virus protection. 

Do it now and thank us later. Viruses come in many forms, including emails, pop-ups, and insecure websites. Once they get in, they get to work pretty quickly. Defend yourself and your information with antivirus protection and a pop-up blocker. 

Only use reputable programs and software. 

It’s always best to choose the trusted, more reliable software regardless of price. Your business information is sensitive and confidential, so treat it so. Do your research and compare options to make sure you’re making the best and safest choice for your company. 

Educate your team. 

Have a cyber awareness and safety meeting or seminar with your team to ensure everyone is on the same page. Cyber security is not necessarily common sense, so it’s best to share safe practices. 

Think before you click. 

Be careful before you click! Opening emails or links from unknown senders or downloading from insecure sites are surefire ways to get viruses. It’s best to delete suspicious emails without opening, and ask yourself if the download is 1) necessary and 2) from a secure website. Look for “https://” at the beginning of the URL. 

Think before you share. 

Always remember that companies will NEVER ask you for sensitive information via email or over the internet. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. 

For more information and resources on ways to remain safe online not just during National Cyber Security Awareness Month, but always, visit: https://niccs.us-cert.gov/national-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2019