Cyber attacks are time-consuming and annoying at best, and destructive to the integrity of your information at worst. It is safe to say that no business wants to face one, especially if it could impact or violate data privacy and security.
Supporting and growing your company if your system isn’t secure is next to impossible, because you’re using valuable resources to fend off cyber attacks. Here are four hands-off tips that, once in place, will help secure your data so you can focus on maximizing your business’s profit and potential.
1. Set up a cloud-based desktop
For those of you new to the concept of “the cloud,” don’t be alarmed; the cloud is simply a fancy term for web-based storage. The reason it has become so popular in recent years is because it means that the days of losing your data with one strike are gone.
What could this mean for your company? Storing your data in the cloud will:
- Provide easier remote access for your employees
- Protect it from damage and loss should your company’s computer system be compromised.
The key to maintaining a secure cloud desktop, however, requires the same diligence that you should use for the rest of your system. The following three steps are crucial to preventing hacks. Done right, however, having a cloud-based desktop will not only protect your information from internal hardware damage, but also provide room for growth by securing data and maximizing company efficiency.
If you want more information on cloud-based desktops, you can visit our page on cloud desktops for business and download our free report!
2. Use quality malware protection software.
Malware protection software comes with many prices, components, and functions. While not 100% foolproof, making sure that your company’s computers are protected against unauthorized access to data, installation of viruses and malware, unwanted changes to the computer system, and other cyber attacks is a basic, easy, and proactive step to take to secure and support your company’s system.
3. Use unique passwords for different accounts.
Call us obvious, but this is an easy trap to fall into. And should one service be hacked, you do not want the rest of your company’s accounts to be compromised. Use individual passwords, and change them regularly – especially if you see suspicious activity around the account.
Be sure that your passwords are also strong. If your passwords are simple keywords, dates, or names, the chances of your accounts being hacked are much greater than if you get creative with them. We recommend that you:
- Mix capital and lowercase letters
- Use numbers and special characters
- Misspell words
If you choose to use phrases to make them easier to remember, the key to making them secure is replacing and abbreviating. 1LuVdaw9z! is more complex than ilovedogs, and therefore more difficult to guess.
4. Layer your security.
Simply put, layered security is having multiple barriers that someone has to pass through in order to access data. When you are asked to put your credit card and PIN number into a machine or online account, you are passing through layered security. In that particular instance, it is called two-factor authentication, and it is something you and your business should consider using to secure your information, especially if it is very sensitive.
To learn more about IT security, join us at our Small Business Lunch-And-Learn, A 360˚ Degree Approach To All Things IT: Control The Chaos, Protect Your Small Business, and Turn Unknowns Into Opportunity on May 24th. Specifically geared towards protecting your small business, the Expo is the next step in securing yourself in the cyber-world.
