The more your business does online, the more important cybersecurity becomes. Whether you are accepting payments, granting access to a full database, it is up to you to protect your clients and your business assets. Here are a few ways you can do more for cybersecurity.
A previous blog post explained why even small businesses should care about cybersecurity. One first step is to enforce stronger passwords. But there is a lot more you can do to protect your online information.
Encryption is Crucial
Load up your website in your favorite browser. Is there a padlock next to the URL? If you allow customers, employees, or members to log in, there should be. That little padlock symbolizes an encrypted connection.
Encryption is particularly important if you receive online credit card payments. It isn't enough to install a “Pay Now” plug-in. If your site is not encrypted, you could be inviting cyber-criminals to steal your clients' identities!
That encryption makes it far harder for hackers to pull information communicated through your website. It essentially uses a code every time the website sends or receives information. If the computer on the other end doesn't know the code, it doesn't get the data. By logging in, your customers show they are authorized – they get to know the code. But when a hacker does gain access to your website's information, all they will receive is nonsense.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Another way to ensure your clients' security is to allow multi-factor authentication. You may have seen this before. Google, Facebook, and other major social media companies are now allowing their customers to double up their security.
When your customers create accounts on your website, they will be asked to provide a phone number or email for verification. A text or email is sent to the customer every time someone tries to log into the account. If the user can't provide the unique verification code, they don't gain access to the site.
Multi-factor authentication allows customers to feel secure that, unless the same person found their phone and their passwords, they are the only one logging in to the account. The text message or email also alerts them to false log-in attempts and allows them to change compromised passwords.
Biometric Security
Cybersecurity that requires a fingerprint ID or facial recognition is another form of multi-factor authentication. This software, which is now available on most smartphones, can be used to restrict access to particular individuals. Watch out, though. Some biometric apps can easily be fooled with a photograph. Make sure you talk to your developer about the integrity of the particular app before choosing it.
Deciding how much protection is enough can be difficult. Choosing between all the available security options can quickly become overwhelming. The website developers at Provisio Technology Solutions can help you choose the level of cybersecurity that is right for your business. If you need to do more for cybersecurity, contact Provisio Technology Solutions today to schedule a meeting.