Web threats and data theft can disrupt your business's daily operations in a massive way. Without the proper security and procedures in place, you will leave yourself open to such attacks.

 

This can be frustrating and, at times, cause irreparable damage to your business. Luckily, you can prevent these cybercrimes from happening. All it needs is for you to invest in the right and proper safeguards.

 

To help you get into the right direction, here are eight practical tips that you can use to secure your business and customers' data:

1. Install firewall and antivirus software

Just like the name suggests, firewalls are walls that block intruders from accessing your network. Installing a firewall is vital when it comes to network monitoring and security.

 

Although some devices already have a built-in firewall, you might have to download and install it for others.

 

Meanwhile, antivirus software will detect and protect your computer from viruses. You can also use it to check for technical issues, which can prevent your computer from crashing.

 

Keep in mind that your computer stores a lot of personal information. If you want to secure your data, then your computer needs to be safe as well.

 

Aside from identifying the virus, the antivirus will also protect your computer against threats, spiteful software, and botnets. You can also opt to work with a reputable company that provides IT services to keep your data safe and secure.

2. Use passcodes even when they are optional

Apply passcodes whenever you can, even when it's optional. In these times, not having a passcode lock is unthinkable.

 

Many smartphones offer four-digit pins by default, but you shouldn't settle for that. Instead, use biometric authentication. Keep in mind that when using a Touch ID or something equivalent, you have to authenticate that to the passcode, so it needs to be strong.

3. Use different email addresses for different purposes

People who are organized and methodical with their security use various emails for different purposes. This is to keep the online identities that are often associated with them separately.

 

If you get a phishing email claiming to be from your bank, check whether it is the correct account for the proper purpose. For instance, you are using that account strictly for personal expenses. Otherwise, you would know whether it's a spam email.

 

Also, see to it that you only have one email address dedicated to signing up for different apps you want to try. That way, you won't take the risk of blaming your fat thumb or muscle memory for clicking an unsecured link.

 

Meanwhile, if you've vetted a service or an app, you can sign up using one of your permanent email accounts. If that account starts to get spam, you might want to close it down and create a new one.

4. Watch out for links and attachments

Cybercriminals are sneaky. They'll make one of those phishing scams so that it will look like one of those legitimate communications from a legit service provider.

 

That's why you need to be on the lookout for spelling errors or various email addresses than the typical sender. This is often a clue that the email you received is spam.

5. Don't overshare on social media

We all know that people on social media post many intimate things about their personal lives online, which can be annoying. Not to mention, it can also put personal information about you at risk.

 

So, make sure that you regularly check your privacy settings so that you'll be more aware of who is seeing your posts. It will help if you are also wary of posting sensitive details like your location, hometown, birthday, and other personal information.

6. Keep changing your passwords

To avoid getting hacked, make sure that you change your passwords regularly. Make sure that you change your password at least once every three months. The more complex your password is, the more protection it can provide.

 

Ensure that these passwords are also at least eight characters long, including numbers, punctuation marks, and symbols. That way, it would be challenging to guess.

 

It would help if you also considered getting password managers. That way, if you're managing a business, your employees don't have to worry so much about remembering them or risk writing them down somewhere.

7. Backup your data

Data backups are your spare tires. You'll never know when you'll need them until you do. Even if you think that it's unlikely that your data will be corrupted or inaccessible, this might still be something that you need to be prepared for.

 

It's not only those cybercriminals that you need to think about. You can also encounter a host of technological issues from infrastructure damage or power outages.

 

Moreover, even slight delays can cause financial and reputable damage. However, backing your data regularly ensures that you'll always have access to this information whenever there is an emergency.

8. Install operating system updates

While operating system updates can be a pain, they contain critical security patches. These patches are meant to protect your computer from threats.

 

Failing to install these updates puts your computer at risk. So, no matter what type of operating system you use, you need to update it regularly.

Remember that cyber attacks don't just happen to big companies. It happens to small businesses, groups, and individuals too. That's why you need to enforce the practical cybersecurity steps listed above to tighten your data security.