The number of cyberattacks is directly proportional to that of companies going remote, and that's only natural. If you haven't addressed security challenges, you should start doing so now.
Having effective cybersecurity policies in place is the first step. These include using passphrases, performing data backup, data encryption, cybersecurity training for your employees, etc. Read on to gain insight into each of these and for some additional tips.
1. Data Backup
You've heard backing up data is one of the best ways to keep your online business information safe if it suffers an attack. Disconnect portable devices to prevent data theft, look into cloud storage, and use reliable encryption methods.
Experts recommend using an external hard drive. You can get an HDD (hard disk drive) or SSD (solid-state drive). The former is much cheaper and older than SSDs. SSDs are easier to move around and have much faster copy speeds, making them the better but also more expensive option.
You can back data up with an SSD using your computer's built-in software or a third-party program. Most computers come with software that will back up files automatically. Just connect the computer and the drive to create automatic backups.
Third-party programs can be more effective and faster as they run on cloud software.
A third option is copying files manually. This approach is time-consuming, but it's worth going for if backup software isn't an option.
2. Choose Secure Hosting
Not all hosting providers and content management systems offer the same level of security. Typically, managed WordPress secure hosting offers great value for money. It comes with automated backups, malware detection and removal, and automatic SSL setup and updates. You can restore security if your website suffers a breach. SSL certificates encrypt the data transferred between the server that hosts your site and your visitors.
Managed WordPress hosting comes with automatic WordPress core updates. That means security breaches due to using an outdated WordPress version are less likely.
While non-managed hosting plans can be just as secure, they require more intervention on your part.
3. Opt for Multi-Factor Authentication
Your customers must provide at least two proofs of identity. At the most basic, they must log in and enter a code sent to their phone.
4. Use Passphrases
Passphrases can be frustrating, but they guarantee data safety, especially if they are 14 or more characters long and use a combination of special characters, upper- and lower-case letters, and numbers.
5. Organize Cybersecurity Training
Employees are your first line of defense in the face of cyber threats. They need training in social engineering and bring your own device (BYOD) as a bare minimum. In essence, social engineering manipulates people into revealing sensitive information. The most common form is phishing, accounting for almost a fifth of reported breaches.
BYOD presents major security challenges. Of course, your staff won't want you to try to control their personal devices, but giving them insight into how their habits can impact your business is imperative. A single security incident can put it at risk.
6. Educate Staff on Social Media Use
Almost everyone uses social media to some extent. You might have some dedicated users on your team. You can't stop them, especially if they're working remotely, but you can educate them. Threat actors can use any information they share to perpetrate a social engineering attack. Encourage your employees to improve their privacy settings and not post about work.
7. Protect Client Info
Using a secure client portal is imperative. If it has file-sharing capabilities, this feature will do away with the challenge of tracking files on different platforms. It will also encrypt data in order to prevent accidental leaks.
8. Comply With Industry Rules
Depending on your industry, your business might have to comply with specific regulations. Companies that process payments must abide by the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. Companies in the health sector must comply with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
9. Purchase Cyber Insurance
Cyber insurance is becoming increasingly widespread because it covers losses from cyberattacks. It can help you cover claims people make if they sustained damages due to your company's actions or lack thereof.
Cyber insurance can cover forensic, legal, and notification expenses, as well as ID theft. Forensic costs include hiring an IT professional and a forensic accountant. Legal expenses include settlement and defense costs if you face a lawsuit from a customer whose data was leaked. Finally, notification expenses include expenses incurred by informing customers their data might have been leaked. Your cyber insurance policy can even cover expenses borne by a client who suffered identity theft.