As a business owner, you know that your customer’s trust is essential. In the age of online shopping and social media, it’s more important than ever to make sure that their personal data is protected. Here are 5 ways to keep your customer’s online data safe.
Use a Secure Connection
When collecting or transmitting sensitive information, always use a secure connection. This means using an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate to encrypt your data. You can tell if a website is using SSL if the URL starts with https:// rather than http://. SSL is the standard for online security and is required by most banks and credit card companies.
Keep Your Software Up-To-Date
One of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access to your system is through vulnerabilities in your software. That’s why it’s so important to keep all of your software up-to-date, including your operating system, web browsers, plugins, and applications. Most software updates include security fixes, so it’s essential to install them as soon as they’re available. There are also companies, like Raging Donkey Technologies, who can help you manage your cyber security and apps.
Use Strong Passwords
Another way hackers gain access to systems is by guessing or brute-forcing passwords. To prevent this, you should always use strong passwords that are at least 8 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It’s also a good idea to use a different password for each account.
If you’re having trouble coming up with strong passwords that you can actually remember, consider using a password manager like LastPass or 1Password. These tools will generate strong passwords for you and store them securely so you don’t have to remember them yourself.
Monitor Your Logins
If someone gains unauthorized access to your account, they could do serious damage to your business—and your reputation. That’s why it’s important to monitor your logins regularly and be on the lookout for any suspicious activity. If you see anything out of the ordinary, change your password immediately and contact your hosting provider or security team.
You can also set up two-factor authentication (also known as 2FA) for an extra layer of security. With 2FA enabled, you’ll need not only your password but also another piece of information—like a code from your phone—to login. This makes it much harder for someone to break into your account even if they have your password.
Educate Your Employees
Your employees are one of your biggest assets—but they can also be one of your biggest weaknesses when it comes to security. That’s why it’s so important to educate them on best practices like using strong passwords, avoiding phishing scams, and not sharing sensitive information with anyone who doesn’t absolutely need it like social security numbers or credit card details.
As a business owner, you know that protecting your customer’s data is essential to maintaining their trust—and keeping them coming back for more. By following these simple tips, you can help safeguard their information and keep their data safe from cyber criminals.
Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.
