In the current market, several tools and benefits are used by companies, mainly small and medium ones, with the objective of increasing their productivity and being more competitive in the market.
However, there is always an issue to be pondered: along with all this technology and services available, there are the security risks that the internet “offers”, which consequently requires companies to take steps to protect their business and customer information. , in addition to avoiding incidents and maintenance costs for equipment and software.
Recently, the emergence of the LGPD, the General Data Protection Law, has collaborated to give more visibility to the issue of digital security. However, only 4% of small and medium-sized companies are already prepared to comply with the law.
There are many challenges on the subject, in this article, you will discover the 10 essential online security actions for your business!
10 Online Safety Tips for your Business
It is worth mentioning the following: it is almost impossible to be fully protected from risks and digital attacks, however, that does not mean that it is not worth protecting yourself, right?
Some measures can keep your organization safe (at least to a considerable extent) and avoid headaches.
We list prevention actions so online safety is not a threatening issue in your company. Check out!
1. Antivirus
Antivirus is such a basic tip that it is occupying first place in this ranking.
Today, it is almost impossible to get into any device that does not have an antivirus installed, which can be free versions such as Avast and AVG or paid versions such as McAfee, Bitdefender and Kaspersky.
Unfortunately, there are those who think that the antivirus is outdated and no longer necessary. On the other hand, several tests show that it is still important to use this protection tool on devices, especially on computers in business environments.
In addition, it is essential that the antivirus is always updated and configured according to the company’s security policy. An outdated antivirus loses much of its efficiency and leaves computers vulnerable to attack.
2. Keep software up to date
Updates are not just for improving the interface, modernizing the layout or new features. Added to this, there are improvements in the security part of all software, however, all software used on the company’s computers and equipment must be up to date. The operating system and browsers should pay more attention, after all, they are the most used.
3. Secure your Wi-Fi network
If your company has any Wi-Fi networks available, it’s critical to protect access from strangers and intruders. However, the first step is to use a strong password and connection to encrypt the data.
Also, change the default settings of the router used, changing the password to access the router settings panel.
Activating filters by MAC address (Media Access Control) is another basic online security tip, you must inform a list of the addresses of devices that are authorized to connect to your network, in this way it is possible to restrict the access of other equipment that is not being on that list.
4. Establish a policy for the use of technology resources
Creating guidelines for the use of technology is very important in the business environment. Your team of employees needs to understand the rules about using the internet, installing software on computers, using smartphones, and personal equipment. In this policy, it is essential to define all the rules and punishments in case of non-compliance with what has been established.
The rules that make up your business policy must be widely publicized, it is important that employees are also aware of what they can or cannot do, in addition to the established punishments.
How about creating a technology policy document for your business?
Thus, all employees can have knowledge and information about the rules and are able to sign, proving their knowledge and commitment to the established guidelines.
5. Training for employees
Many of the security flaws on the internet have as a gateway to the behavior problems of professionals, who often, through carelessness and lack of attention, provide data that should be secured or allow the installation of viruses and malware on computers.
Because of this, it is essential to guide employees on the precautions to be taken in relation to the company’s online security.
One thing is for sure, most security problems can be avoided with the care and caution of professionals. In view of this, training can be part of the company’s adaptation process, for example, and be reinforced with a certain frequency and improved according to the attacks and strategies of hackers that change.
6. Back up all your business’s relevant data
Define procedures for copying all data that are critical to your business. In the case of more relevant information, such as financial data or information about customers, products, and services, the most recommended thing is to make a daily backup, performed automatically. Also, keep copies safe and stored in at least two different locations.
In fact, it is also important that computer data and other information, a weekly and properly stored copy, guarantee the recovery of this data in case of loss.
The best alternative is to use cloud services for file storage, such as Google Drive or Dropbox. These services are responsible for having an automatic backup, in addition to offering access to files in an expanded way from any location or device connected to the internet.
7. Limit physical access to computers
One of the most important actions for online security is preventing intruders from accessing your internal computers or servers. Avoid leaving portable computers accessible to strangers and set passwords for all computers and systems in your business. Perform a background search on all persons having credentials to your system.
By doing this, you will be able to track any activity carried out, both by strangers and the employees themselves, who can often carry out improper operations that will cause inconvenience and even damage to the company.
8. Protect financial systems information
Managers should pay extra attention to this topic, after all, most internet attacks are targeted. Therefore, keep access restricted to the company’s data and financial systems, such as bank passwords, allowing only trusted and trained people to operate this information.
Watch out for emails from fake institutions, as they end up harming your online security.
9. Be strict in setting passwords
Updating weak passwords is a very important factor for internet security.
The use of weak passwords occupies a large part of the security breach statistics. According to recent surveys, in 2020 the most used password on the internet was “123456”. Isn’t that serious?
In fact, people don’t think about digital security.
So have the definition of long passwords, which combine alphanumeric characters, uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Another tip is to avoid storing passwords in places that anyone can access.
10. Blocking access to harmful websites and controlling the internet
The most recommended is to use tools that prevent access to harmful websites, where they can install viruses or malware. More common than it seems, your team of collaborators may receive spam messages with fake links that lead to these sites, in addition to accessing certain types of content on sites, such as games, downloads, or adult content.
Most of these attacks start through accessing a harmful or malicious website, after which the malware installs a virus in a hidden way on the equipment and, consequently, a portal is opened on the network for cyber-attacks to happen.
Online Safety Basics That Are Essential for Your Company