Avoid Making These Mistakes for a More Secure Online Business

Most online businesses are at risk of hacks, phishing attacks, ransomware, or other forms of data breach. As security measures keep getting better, so do the hackers. New ways and means of hacking into secure systems can leave your business at risk. Especially if you don’t regularly update your spyware protection or antivirus software. Businesses need to understand that the only way to ensure that their data will remain safe is to stay up-to-date with the changing trends.

Many businesses build their own cybersecurity infrastructure with an in-house IT team. These solutions might not be as effective for small businesses as hiring a full IT team can be expensive. In such cases, businesses can choose to outsource to companies like Telvista and be sure of data safety. However, there are some important mistakes that all businesses need to avoid whether they outsource or not.

#1: Open Access to Data

Most business personnel and staff don’t require access to all documents, data, or files. Usually, even cross-functional teams can make do with overlapping access to a few necessary files. Businesses make a huge mistake if they don’t restrict full-fledged access for all employees. Not only can this expose sensitive data to general employees, but it also means you need to double-up your security arrangements. The more people that have access to sensitive data, the more possibilities there are of a breach.

So, in order to keep data safe, businesses should put in place secure access. It could be based on seniority or people who have an encryption key can access the data files. If you are a business owner, the first thing you should do with your IT support company is to manage data access. Revoking access is also important when someone leaves the company. Moreover, you should also ensure that any permission updates go through the IT department first.

#2: Keeping Outdated Software

Software updates should never be ignored. Instead, installing the updates as soon as possible should be mandated on all systems connected to the company’s database. Most software updates prevent zero-day attacks, introduce bug fixes, or get rid of malicious code. Delay in installing any update can put your entire network at risk of a data breach. Most business owners and their employees don’t take software updates seriously, which is one of the biggest risks to their cybersecurity.

#3: Lateral Movement of Access

Lateral movement means that if someone gets access to one system on the network, they can easily make their way to others. The compromise of one system may not pose that big of a risk to cybersecurity, but lateral access can make it a lot worse. Businesses need to end the lateral links between systems, especially with departments that work with sensitive data.

For example, if someone gets access to your CRM department’s data, they should not be able to move to cloud and infrastructure or data science departments. The only thing to remember here is that your entire cybersecurity infrastructure should not be as strong as one network computer. Building layers upon layers of security can help your business become more secure.

#4: Using Weak Passwords

One of the first, and most important, layers of your cybersecurity is a password. Whether it is an online account or your computer login password. Choosing a strong password can be the key to keeping most hackers away. A strong password should have:

• At least 7 to 8 characters
• A combination of small and capital letters
• At least one digit and special character

A strong password may not make your account one hundred percent secure but it can make it harder for hackers to get in. The more complex your password is, the more difficult it will be to crack even with the latest algorithms and technologies. It improves your odds of keeping your account safe by a fair margin.

#5: Ignoring Multi-Factor Authentication

Sometimes also called two-factor authentication, it can be one of the simplest yet most effective tools for internet security. Most online platforms and even social media accounts now offer multi-layer security and you should take full advantage of this. This can save you even if your password has been compromised for some reason. If the system or IP address for the login attempt is unrecognized, it will also ask for a security code.

The code is usually sent to a linked phone number or email address. So, unless the hacker has access to all three, they won’t be able to get in. You can also set up security questions and recovery emails for all your online accounts. The more layers of security you add, the better it will be for your business. Security questions are almost impossible to bypass unless the hacker knows you personally or has access to your personal files.