How to Improve Cybersecurity at Your Business

Every business in the modern world is going to incorporate a substantial amount of technology. This will also be true for your business, no matter the industry you are in. With the use of technology comes the critical necessity of taking basic cybersecurity measures. 

Change Passwords

You should make sure that access to your work computers is restricted. This is especially true for administrative computers that hold sensitive information of both employees and customers. This can include credit card information, names, birthdates, addresses, tax info, social security numbers, and more. 

Always keep passwords on these computers–as well as on computers that are used for daily, menial work that may not have information that is so obviously sensitive. Change the passwords regularly. If employees have accounts or logins, have them do the same. This prevents hackers from finding ways to break into your systems.

Use Encryption

Encryption might sound like something complicated, or like a technical concept from a movie–but it’s actually quite common and very important to have for your business. Encryption protects information by scrambling it so that hackers who try to penetrate your servers, databases, and files will not be able to use any information they’ve gathered. 

There are encryption programs that are readily available from major companies like Microsoft and Apple, but there are also a wide variety of third-party programs marketed towards businesses. More than 80% of businesses use multiple cloud vendors. Encryption is not optional if you want your business to be taken seriously, and if you want to have online expansion as an option for your customer transaction.

Train Your Employees

The technical side of cybersecurity is, ironically, only part of the entire picture. Hackers get information in any way they can, including through just stealing employee access information. It’s a lot easier than writing an original, complex program for penetration. That’s why it’s so important to train employees on simple but effective practices. Have them change their passwords every few months. Make sure that they never leave their computer logged in while they’re away from the monitor. Make sure to give special care and focus to higher-up employees who are in charge of more sensitive information. 

Most hackers with ambition probably won’t try to target small businesses. But small businesses do tend to be a lot less prepared than large corporations, making them easy targets. Put enough effort into your technological preparation for hackers and thieves to be discouraged, and you will not regret it. 

Did you enjoy this article? Here’s more to read: Carvana stock price falls as used car values sink