5 Security Precautions Online Business Owners Should Take

On this blog, we’ve often talked about the importance of cybersecurity, given the threat of data breaches, and the determination of hackers. However, there is another layer of security every data-using business has to take into account. This layer is not just defensive, but pro-active, because it takes into account a wider scope of threats that can affect your network.

1. Regularly backup the data on your devices

Whether it’s a PC, a laptop or a smartphone, if it has any relevant work-related data, it’s important to perform regular backups. You don’t want to lose gigabytes of important information and materials because you drop your laptop or your computer shorts during a thunderstorm. This should also be a company-wide policy, or it should be enforced using software that automatically backs up data to a cloud.

2. Regularly backup your website

A website can have a lot of content, especially if you’re doing SEO blogging or content marketing. Not only that, but you may have paid to have all of this content produced. If a plugin breaks your website, or if you are the victim of an attack, all of that content will be lost. This is why it’s important to do regular backups for your site.

3. Only receive payments through secure channels

Securing your payment channels is very important as a business, because not only will you lose clients if a cyber-attack is successful, you will also be open to legal prosecution. Make sure that you are in compliance with PCI standards, that you have an SSL certification for your website, and, if you want to go the extra mile, that you use live monitoring technology to catch any fraudulent activity as soon as possible.

4. Regularly change your passwords

This is a great security practice that is often overlooked: change your passwords on a regular basis. A minimum of once every three months is recommended, and some software makes you do this automatically. If you have accounts that contain sensitive client data this is a best practice to keep in mind.

5. Routinely update your programs

As software companies uncover vulnerabilities and loopholes within their programs, they release patches and updates. For proper protection, you should routinely update your programs, including your operating system, antivirus, firewall and browser. Most of these payment security programs have an automatic update feature, which is activated by default, but there may be cases where you need to update them manually. It’s especially important to update your cyber security applications, since the updates are meant to counter any recent threat that has popped up on the internet. Antivirus companies and hackers are in a continuous arms race, so it’s important to be up to date.

For more information on cyber security precautions for online businesses or to sign up for a merchant account, please call (888) 924-2743 or go to Charge.com.