Hacks and phishing expeditions have become all too common for small businesses. For example, a cyber attack can result in your customers’ personal data being compromised, which can result in identity theft and be used for other nefarious purposes. These kinds of attacks make customers feel vulnerable and lose their trust in businesses.
Join West Center on March 16 for an informational webinar about cybersecurity. In the meantime, here are some practical steps you can take to secure your business and your customers’ information.
- Establish a privacy policy
Your privacy policy should explain how you will keep customer data, such as names, phone numbers, and email addresses, safe. It’s best to avoid collecting customer information like social security numbers and other personal data - Train and educate your employees
Help your employees understand how to protect customer data by training them appropriately. This can include tips for creating strong passwords, implementing regular password changes, how to spot phishing emails, and how to store data safely. - Invest in security software
Install anti-malware and antivirus software on your computer systems. Audit your website regularly to check for any breaches and turn on automatic updates on software programs. - Implement multi-factor authentication
One of the main topics at our March 16 webinar is the implementation of multi-factor authentication, which helps verify the identity of the person logging in and adds an extra layer of security protection. Examples of multi-factor authentication include receiving a call on an employee’s cell phone or texting a passcode. - Use a secure WiFi network
Most small businesses have a Wi-Fi network in place for employees and staff members. This network should be secure, encrypted and hidden. - Back up data regularly!
Make sure your data is backed up: in the cloud, on a hard drive, or both. It’s best to set backups to run automatically and be sure to include all your documents such as financials, spreadsheets, databases, and HR files. If you print documents, store them in a secure off-premises location. - Invest in cyber liability insurance
Ask your insurance agency about options for data breach and cyber liability purposes.
West Center is here to help with all your small business needs! Call us today at 707-964-7571 or make an appointment online.
