With Covid-19 came the move for many businesses to take their business online by setting up a website and possibly an online store. In charting these unfamiliar waters, one needs to be aware of the threats that are associated with moving online and how to protect your business.
To indicate the extent look at the following facts from Cybint:
- There is a hacker attack every 39 seconds
- 43% of cyber-attacks target small business
- In 2018 hackers stole half a billion personal records
- Approximately $6 trillion is expected to be spent globally on cybersecurity by 2021
- By 2020 there will be roughly 200 billion connected devices
- 95% of cybersecurity breaches are due to human error
Here are six tips to minimize your risk and eliminate human error?
1. Use strong passwords
- Don’t use real words, names, birthdates, etc. The best passwords are random.
- Never use the same password for different sites
- Use a minimum of 12 characters consisting of letters (upper and lower), numbers and symbols
- Use a password manager like Roboform or 1Password
2. Check the URL
- When logging into any website, check the URL to make sure it is correct. Phishing sites replicate pages to look like the site you want to visit to trick you in thinking you are logging into the valid site
- Use secure sites indicated by the closed lock next to the URL or HTTPS://
3. Only allow valid users to register on your website
4. Ensure all users have only the minimum rights they need to use the site
5. Be careful of comments on your website by ensuring you moderate and
approve all comments
- Hackers can insert malicious code in comments submitted to websites
- Ensure there are no hidden links embedded in comments
- Use a spam filter on your website
- Only approve comments that contribute to your post or site
6. Activate and use 2-factor authentication on your website
When selecting your website developer, check what precautions they take and what measures and mechanisms they will build into your website.
Keep safe and secure online.
Till next time
