Pass the Test When it Comes to Internet Security

When you run a company, you have myriad of tasks at hand, some of which can sometimes seem overwhelming.

While you have a fair amount of control over most of the responsibilities at hand, there are a few that can be more challenging, notably dealing with hackers, or more specifically identity theft thieves.

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Given the fact that hackers have caused notable problems for companies large and small in recent years, what has your business done to best protect itself from becoming the next victim?

Review Security Measures Regularly

One of the best ways to keep hackers an arm’s length from your business is by regularly reviewing the security system measures you hopefully have in place.

From making sure your web hosting service takes online security seriously to reminding your employees regularly about practicing safe computer habits while on the clock for you, there are different techniques you can deploy to best thwart hackers from compromising your company’s pertinent data.

Among the techniques to use:

  • Security software – Start with your web hosting provider, making sure they have the proper technology in place to neutralize any hacking attempts. If your web host can’t (or won’t) tell you whether or not they have such tech software in place, consider switching to one who does. You also need to be sure that your office computers have the right anti-virus software in place in the event you or an employee accidentally goes to download potential malware;
  • Logging on and off – Also make it a priority to review how you and your employees log-on and off of office computers, including when traveling to meet clients or attending conferences etc. Do you use a password manager in such efforts? If not, take note that a password manager helps you and your workers when it comes to managing one of the most important facets of your daily work, getting on and off your computers. With such a tool in-hand, you can easily access all your online accounts within the Cloud synchronization across various devices;
  • Social habits – Even though there are still many businesses who prohibit social media usage by employees in the workplace, others have opened their eyes and seen the benefits that can come in allowing workers to use social networking. With that in mind, which side of the fence does your company fall on? If you are in the latter group, make sure your employees (and you for that matter) use social media sites wisely. Given the fact hackers are always looking to stay a step or two ahead of businesses, consumers and authorities for that matter, it should not come as a big surprise that such criminals have done their best to infiltrate social networking sites. Sometimes they will pose as job applicants, sending you or your human resources department a resume that has a link or two to supposed social sites. What they hope is that someone in your office will click on the social link, thereby downloading malware into your system. When that happens, they’ve opened the front door to potential hacking of your network;
  • Employee actions – Whether all your employees work in-house or some work from home or travel often for business, it is imperative that they be made aware of safe computer techniques when accessing your network. Even more important, make it abundantly clear to each and every one of them that you will not tolerate any shenanigans when it comes to their online activities while on the clock for you. Much to their dismay, many businesses in recent years have discovered that the hackers attacking their companies were not coming from outside forces, but actually right under their noses. Send a clear signal to each and every worker you hire that will be severe repercussions (including firing and possible criminal charges) if anyone under your employ is caught trying to hack company and/or customer data.

Running a business in 2016 and beyond means dealing with a number of security concerns, some of which can at times feel like they are out of your control.

That said you can pass the test when it comes to Internet security, especially if you study up on how to beat the hackers at their own game.