The Web Security Basics For Your Business

The Web Security Basics For Your Business

by JonSolomon

If you run a business on the web (or if you make regular use of it) then it’s important to make sure that you do everything you can to try and keep your data secure.  There are many ways to go about doing so, but these are some of the basics to help you get going, brought to you in association with UK Asset Protection.

Regularly change passwords, and alter the account names from the default.  It’s quite common when you sign up for a service that you’re provided with passwords up-front.  It’s extremely important to change these immediately to ensure that only people within positions of trust can access it.  Ensure that any account or usernames you’re presented with are altered also.

Continually update your operating systems.  Whilst updating these can be a bit of a pain in the backside (especially as it always seems to happen when you’re working to a deadline), it’s important that you update your computer whenever it requests that an update is made.  Security patches usually make up a big part of these updates, and hackers will often target computers that haven’t kept up-to-date with these installations.  It’s also important that you allow any specifically installed security programs to update whenever they ask to ensure that they also are kept in perfect running order.

Always use encryption software if you’re making transactions.  If you’re running any kind of website that makes transactions, then it’s your responsibility to ensure that you’ve taken all of the necessary steps to keep customer data secure.  (In some cases – such as with Mastercard and VISA USA) the card providers themselves will request you provide proof of having done so.  Encryption software is the ideal way to make sure this is the case – it will also protect your own internal information.

Limit access on a ‘need-to-see’ basis.  This is both a sensible and common approach amongst larger businesses, and can also be very effective amongst smaller businesses seeking to minimise the risk of there being a data breach.  Initially, it can be enough to simply not introduce a shared network, and to keep the important data on the computer of those who need it.  However, once your company has reached a decent size and requires a central network, then it’s important to make sure that you password protect any files of significant importance.