Protecting websites, email, networks and confidential information against viruses and unauthorized access is mandatory. Putting in place protocols that will protect computer systems against potential threats should be a priority. Continued investment will need to be provided to ensure that the security systems used are maintained as technology develops. Here are five tips on how to maintain your security:
Complete Regular Updates
Many software providers, browsers and operating systems will occasional request that you install new updates. Yes, it can sometimes be a pain but quite often these include critical security updates that will protect you against potential threats.
strong passwords
Making sure all passwords are strong and unique. Make it compulsory for those who log in to have passwords that contain a combination of numbers, characters and case-sensitive letters. Ban passwords that are easy to guess, no more “password” or “password1” should be used; in some businesses it is easy to guess the email once you know one person so using these as a password isn’t a secure login.
Encrypt forms and logins
If your websites contains a form that is not coded correctly, this is opening a potential hole in your server that a hacker can take advantage of. Quite often a form hosted on your website may be linked directly to your database. For any website being developed all login information needs to be entered onto a secure location, so that when they click the submit button their personal details are automatically encrypted.
Backup your Data
As a precautionary measure servers should be backed up. Have you considered what would happen to your business if a hacker gained access and took control. Backing up your data will enable you to restore your systems with a minimal amount of down time.
Conduct Security Audits
By conducting regular security audits you are able to establish and maintain your businesses integrity. Every day there are thousands of businesses that are targeted by hackers, to gain access to a range of data from customer information to intellectual property. In a worst case scenario, a hacker could even lock you out of your own system and take down your website. By conducting regular security audits, you get there before the hackers do.
