Every day we get the news about some sort of security breach, or a hack happening to someone in the world. Whether it happens to a large conglomerate or someone manages to hack your home computer – internet security should be taken quite seriously. Especially when it comes to your business. Now that data is almost the most important thing on the internet, you have to find the best solution to protect it.
We did a bit of researching and we’ve come up with some solutions and tips on how to deal with your online business protection. This short guide should help you find your way through internet security and help you protect your business in the online world. Knowing how troublesome a security breach can be for a company, we tried to cover as much ground as possible. Hopefully, these guidelines will help you understand what to do. So, let’s not waste any more time and let’s get straight to it.
What data needs to be kept safe?
The first question you need to ask yourself is – what data is absolutely necessary to protect. Each type of data you collect and keep is different. Some information is more important than other, and it’s up to you to determine which is a priority when it comes to protection.
Most important data is usually the most confidential type of information. This includes your financial records, customer information, and even supplier details. Protection of this data is dictated by different laws in different places of the world, but it is your obligation. You need to divide your data into specific categories and start keeping a detailed record of which data is stored where. Limit the access to that data only to the people that need it. Do your research and consult a legal team to learn about laws and regulations in your area, so you can approach your business protection in the best possible way.
What can you do about the network?
If your network isn’t properly protected, all other steps are basically superfluous. Without the protection, a network can get infected with malware and viruses, and it can happen without you even knowing about it. That’s why every business needs a secure network. Not just that, you need a lot of security software to make sure your network is protected.
Make sure you use software that can keep tabs on company devices and employee records, so you know your equipment is always protected. Use firewalls and software which suits your business needs and yet protects your network from any potential threats. Networks with robust security are usually recommended, as your IT team can develop your own personal protection with it. Make sure your employees use only approved and legal software and keep them updated about online security to ensure the best results.
How to approach your employees about online security?
Always be open with your employees. There are some that may need some time to understand your security protocols, but you would be surprised at how many breaches happen because of a simple human error. When your employees are stuck in a loop of their daily routines, they can forget about overall security. Focusing only on the task at hand is useful, but it can have a negative effect on your business security.
Make sure your employees are trained properly. Invest some time and money into educating your employees about safety and security risks surrounding them. Train them to avoid making mistakes which can cost quite a lot in the future. Teach them to keep their work away from home and encourage periodical password changes. All of these things can significantly improve your security status.
Is your workers’ feedback important?
Another question that quite a lot of CEOs try to avoid is – how important is the feedback from your employees? While we were preparing this article, we talked to the professional IT consultants from Sydney and their response didn’t surprise us at all. At the end of the day – data security is everybody’s responsibility at a certain level. That’s why your employees have to be on the same page as you are.
As your workers follow your instructions, they encounter various unplanned situations. Their experience from such situations can really mean a lot to you, and to your business security. Seeking feedback from your employees shows them you trust them and helps build loyalty. It also helps boost their motivation and they are on the lookout for any potential threats or problems. This way you can significantly reduce the human error factor, so talk to your employees.
Final thoughts
You will need to make sure your security works in practice. There are some principles that seem so easy to implement, and once you try, you realize it’s not as easy as it looks. There is a lot to learn and organize, but business security, especially in the online world should be your first serious business step. Gather your team, talk with them, plan ahead, and don’t avoid hard questions. Make sure that both you and your employees understand everything that’s at stake, but don’t panic. Follow these steps and your business will soon be as safe as possible.