Is Your Business Website A Target?

Online security is a major concern for a variety of businesses, yet security breaches and hacking threats are quickly becoming commonplace.

If you're worried your business's website is a target for cyber criminals, there are a few steps you can take to protect your online livelihood.

Here are some common online threats as well as tips for protecting your business's website:

Online Threats are Big Business

Although it might sound shocking, nearly 90% of U.S. companies have experienced online security issues in the past decade.

In fact, according to The Heritage Foundation, a research think tank, cyber security breaches cost major corporations nearly $10 million in lost revenue each year.

Some of the more notable security breaches include Target's customer data security breach, Yahoo's customer email attack, and J.P. Morgan Chase's hacking incident, which compromised the personal information of 76 million clients and more than 7 million small businesses.

From retail stores to email service providers to financial institutions, all businesses are equally vulnerable to security breaches.

As the following article looks at, some of the most common mobile security threats and website breaches are easily avoidable as long as your business knows how to protect its digital assets.

Common Threats

Your business's website is how you connect with and inform potential and current customers. However, it's also an entry point for cyber criminals looking to steal private information.

With that said, there are a number of website and mobile threats your business should be aware of.

• Viruses - Computer virus software can infect your business's network without users knowing. Once unleashed, viruses can duplicate and capture personal website information and other business information without detection.

• Spyware - Much like viral software, spyware monitors website activity and collects personal information such as usernames and passwords as well as credit card information. It can also affect your business's network performance.

• SMS Trojan Virus - Designed specifically for mobile applications, SMS Trojan viruses can infect smartphones through SMS texts. Once infected, the virus can collect your customers' personal information when they visit your website on their mobile device.

How to Prevent Online Breaches and Other Security Attacks

Cyber criminals are continually finding new ways to hack your business's website and steal sensitive information.

Because of this, it's more important than ever to take preventative measures to protect your website and your customers' personal information.

For starters, your business should install and update anti-viral software on a regular basis. This software can detect common viruses as well as new viruses by using a heuristic algorithm.

Likewise, anti-spyware programs can block incoming threats as well as detect and remove spyware using periodic scanning methods.

Inform Your Customers

The preventative measures above are only part of the security battle.

If you truly want a secure website, you need to implement security procedures to protect your network. This includes encouraging employees to create strong passwords and logoff the system when not in use.

In addition, it's important for your customers to follow strict password guidelines as well.

Encouraging your customers to use separate passwords for each of their online accounts and reminding them to change their passwords regularly will help prevent security issues for your website.

When it comes to online security, your business can create a safer digital environment by keeping the information above in mind.