The digital era has compacted the size of businesses into a single household and made it easy to connect with customers worldwide. Home-based businesses, especially startups, are on the rise nowadays. If you own one of them, then you are using a computer and the Internet daily. This means you have to secure your computers from hackers and viruses, which are major threats.
Many small companies go out of business after dealing with a cyber-attack. You must make sure that important data, especially data related to your customers, is backed up and safe on your PCs or laptops. To prevent any kind of physical threat, home-based business owners need to possess property insurance too. Let us review some actionable tips on how to tighten the security for your business.
Invest in Good Antivirus Software
Integrating top-notch antivirus and malware programs is an intelligent route to take by home-based business owners to. The systems will protect your computer from viruses and the software can back up your files should a sudden crash take place. It is important to acquire the well-known antivirus programs that will not only save you money, but also safeguard your sensitive data. The investment in a good malware program will never go to waste.
Protect Your Mobile Devices
It’s important that customer data is not leaked via smartphones. As most small home-based businesses allow BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), they must strengthen BYOD policies to protect the company’s data. Devices associated with smartphones like smart watches, fitness trackers, or other wearables must also be included under this policy. Integrating VeePN iOS is also a good idea. Automatic security updates and frequently changing passwords are necessary steps to follow.
Back Up Your Data at Multiple Off-Site Locations
The DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack is a major type of cyber-attack launched by hackers when they try to bring the business’s site down and deny access to the users. This happened to UK-based startup Code Spaces in 2014; their data was stolen and the company shut down. The company saved all their data at one place with all their other files. It is important to back up your confidential data in a cloud platform by using a tool like Cloudflare, which will help in providing security against cyber-attacks through page rules and SSL encryption.
Acquire Cybersecurity Insurance
If you want to safeguard your confidential data, then it is necessary to attain cybersecurity insurance from a reputable company. Insurance companies like Hiscox and Travelers provide tailor-made cybersecurity insurance to home-based and small businesses that meet their budget as well as risk areas. You can get coverage for the legal expertise costs that you incur due to a data breach, losses due to interruption of the business, and much more.
Conclusion
These simple and doable steps will help in keeping your home-based business safe from any kind of cyber-threat. You can protect your business by taking action – update your software, implement safety policies, secure your premises with smart home systems, and close up any holes in your overall security.
