IT security is a very important aspect when it comes to business. It’s crucial to take the necessary steps to protect your business against potential hackers who may steal vital data from you along with protection from viruses that could bring your entire organisation to its knees. Naturally, no system is 100% foolproof.
The sad truth is that if someone is completely determined to penetrate your information security system, they will, given enough money and time. Therefore, it’s smart to incorporate as many safeguards as possible to deter hackers from compromising your system at all. Below are a few key steps to follow in order to protect your sensitive business information:
Keep your operating system updated. Manufacturers continually upgrade safeguards regarding security, so be sure to register for the automatic updates that work to install the necessary security patches. Hackers are experts in finding systems that lack up-to-date security. Depending on your specific needs, you may need additional software that effectively detects spyware and blocks spam on a deeper level.
Continuously change default passwords. One of the most common mistakes small business owners make is to install a machine and/or software straight out of the box without taking the time to reconfigure the security aspects. By failing to make these configurations, it makes it simple for hackers to get into your system since they can easily figure out the original settings.
Use automated penetration tests. The most efficient way to test for system vulnerabilities is to use automated software for penetration testing. A network penetration test will thoroughly scan your network for any unknown computers, look for any vulnerabilities, and then try to exploit them using customised malware. The advantage of using a network penetration test is that it offers a way to rigorously and quickly scan your network and can be used as often as you like to perform automation penetration tests. It’s particularly useful to use a network penetration test following any important changes to your network or if any new software was recently introduced to check for any vulnerabilities that may have accidentally been introduced into the system.
Put limitations on who has access to sensitive data. Certain kinds of software are designed to detect abnormal activity patterns in your computer system that may compromise your information security, while others can screen outbound communications to ensure that important data isn’t leaking out. For any businesses whose staff requires remote access to their company’s central computer system, use more than just a username and password in order to gain access; for example, a unique token that shows a second password that regularly changes.
Invest in a Good Hosting Solution. One of the most essential components of any business is a stable website. With digital marketing strategies gaining momentum across organisations of all sizes, reliable web hosting solutions are increasingly in demand. If you are running a serious business, you cannot be successful in the digital age without a recognisable website. In that case, you need to choose a host that can support your development in all stages.
Currently, there is a large variety of web hosting packages, be careful to choose one suitable for your business and a reputable provider. Choosing a plan with irrelevant features can bring your company substantial difficulties. For instance, slow page loading times can lead to high bounce rates, which can then translate to lost revenue.
Remember, a growing business needs a scalable host. As you scale, you will need VPS hosting for business. This is because, at some point, you may require additional server capacity, particularly in peak hours. The other critical factor for web hosting is security, especially if you handle sensitive data and payment details. You will need secure cloud hosting for data protection. With compromised security, your site could suffer privacy breaches and lost data. Be sure you can trust your web host.
Along with these potential IT security problems to worry about, there’s also the growing concern about managing email via personal smartphones and mobile devices. Private personal phones are much more vulnerable to a possible hacker attack over ones that are directly connected to your company’s network. Therefore, several companies are using mobile software that monitors phones for any suspicious activity in addition to encrypting email. Although the threats have been relatively minimal and just more of an irritation, it’s definitely something to be aware of.
Engineering Your Business Advantage
Patrick Watt is a content writer, writing in several areas, primarily in business growth, value creation, M&A, and finance. Other interests also include content marketing and self-development. Say hi to Patrick on Twitter.
