Data breaches make headlines almost all of the time. Companies like Yahoo, Equifax, and Uber have experienced embarrassing data intrusions in recent years. While these businesses have huge cybersecurity budgets, as a small business owner, you also have options that won’t bankrupt your business. Keep reading for ways you can protect your customers’ financial data.
Evaluate Your Operation
When you have a brick-and-mortar store, one of the first things you want to look at is whether your computer systems and paper files are accessible to the public. If so, then it’s time to set some boundaries. You can start by looking at PCI compliance standards. According to Investopedia, the Payment Card Industry Data and Security Standard is essentially a set of rules and guidelines that any business that accepts credit card information must follow. One of these is to use and update antivirus software. You’ll also have to restrict access to data, whether it is online, stored on a hard drive, or written down on paper.
Train Your Employees
Employee training is paramount to keeping your information safe. As a small business, you have a huge target on your back. Criminals believe, often correctly, that you won’t adhere to data security standards. This might happen by falling victim to a phishing email, which Security Metrics explains is a form of communication “designed to look like they came from a legitimate bank, government agency, or organization.” To make matters worse, they are often hard to spot. Make sure employees know to never respond to an email asking for information or input data into a link unless they initiate the contact themselves.
Enhance Your IT Environment
Even if you cannot afford a dedicated on-site IT security department, there are options for managed IT services. A freelance network administrator can handle everything from setting up computers and printers to adding security to your modems and routers. Remember, if your business is not technology, IT support can help you better understand this ever-evolving world.
Of course, if you’re tech-savvy and want to handle this aspect of your business on your own, consider going back to school to earn a bachelor’s degree in information technology. This way, you’ll have the skills you need to handle anything that comes your way — and you won’t have to rely on other people to lend a hand when an emergency arises.
Stop Collecting and Storing Data You Don’t Need
Personal information is a valuable commodity on the black market. It is important that you, as a business owner, understand what personal data is. This encompasses everything from birthdays to home addresses. In some cases, a customer’s IP address might even qualify as personal data. When your customers fill out forms, only ask for the absolute minimum you need to complete their requests. If they are ordering shoes, for example, there is no reason for you to have their birthday, even if your intention is to send them a discount as a gift.
Set Up a Separate Wi-Fi Access Point for Customers
Most shoppers expect a Wi-Fi connection. This allows them to quickly compare prices and features without eating up their valuable data. When you choose to give this to your customers, make sure they do not connect to your business’s private network, as this can easily leave you vulnerable to intrusion. Setting up a public network is a simple process, and your internet provider can help you get it done in a matter of minutes.
Create a Crisis Management Plan
No matter how much you prepare and how much you train, you can’t prevent every incident, but you can create a crisis management plan. To get started, identify potential threats, and create a scenario where your business suffers a cyberattack. Your operating procedure should include everything from who to call in case of a breach to how and when you will alert your customers.
Although it’s scary to think about, the data your company maintains can easily be bought and sold on the dark web. However, the above tips can help you keep your business in the light and add a few extra layers of protection against cybercriminals.
Now that you’re armed with these cybersecurity methods, make sure your business’s website and marketing efforts are just as effective. Reach out to Tuwords Design today for web design and digital marketing services that can propel your business forward!
Image via Pexels
Article Courtesy of Lindsey Weiss