Five Business Tips That You and Your Company Need To Embrace
Introduction
It is reported every day that more companies are being hacked. That makes every business owner vulnerable, especially new business owners. That is why it should come as no surprise that security analysts are encouraging customers to start taking a more proactive approach to their security measures.
I have a list of five tips that every business owner should follow concerning their identity and access management security measures.
1) A Recovery Plan
I do not say this lightly, but you need to start backing everything up, and I mean everything. Everything you have downloaded has to have a backup profile. Your customer contacts and every business vendor you deal with. All it takes is one small hack to make everything you own vulnerable to more attacks.
Some people wait until they see their files disappearing to have an "if only" moment. You cannot wait that long. It might be too late by the time you do get around to it. Hackers can see everything you do and save on your computers once they are inside the system, and that brings me to the next point.
2) Security Systems
The first question to ask: Do you have one? You should already have software in place to handle those moments. Make sure it is updated. Those notifications you get on your computer (though annoying) are there for a reason. It is to get you to pay attention too.
I get them all the time when I am working on something for a client. Take the time to update the software when you can. Say, for example, you are in the middle of something for a client and you cannot do it then. Wait until after you are finished and start the updates.
You also need to perform a virus scan on your computer as often as you can. I admit that I do not always follow that rule and I should. Do your best to make sure everything is updated.
3) Passwords
You have to have a password for almost everything now. You also have to make it something not too complex, but hard for outsiders to guess easily.
"By the way, a fifth-grader could hack your security system. 1,2,3,4 is not a secure passcode".
Sheldon Cooper: The Big Bang Theory
Some experts argue that a long password is the strongest. Adding in punctuation helps too. Sometimes the more effort it takes, the better protected you are.
That is just an example, but please, take some time and make sure your passwords are secure.
FYI:
By the way, be very careful who you release your passcodes too, including business associated and outside personnel. You should only give out your passcodes if it is necessary and the person can be trusted.
4) Training
Are your employees trained with online security measures? You need to get them trained if they are not. Many experts argue that employees are most vulnerable to risk. They either are not trained and give out the information easily or someone has a grudge to bear and wants to get even.
It happens. Be very careful with people who you have hired and then had to fire. Someone who used to work for you could carry a grudge that encourages their unconscious impulses to act out. There is a psychology behind why people do what they do. Keep a sharp eye on everyone you employ.
5) The Cloud
Do you use the cloud? You should if you do not. The cloud can save you a lot of time and headaches. The cloud provides an automatic backup when needed. You should also use your DNS regularly. There are subscriptions available for affordable pricing.
Conclusion
Every small step you take to improve your security now will better your chances of avoiding the larger obstacles later.
