No matter what niche your business is in, there’s one thing you’ve always got to be thinking about. Security. It has to be up to scratch. Technology in today’s world is so phenomenal, that it’s more important than ever to have your customer’s safety in mind. We all know that as tech evolves, so too do cyber attacks – so there has never been a greater need to build a robust security plan! This is to protect your client’s data, along with the overall security of their personal information. Having a solid presence online isn’t, on its own, enough to build customer loyalty – as a company that takes online payments, you need to make sure you stay ahead of the curve. In this blog, we’re going to be taking a look at the best cyber security tips on the market, and how you can make your processes super slick.
Whether it be the stringent protocols used by secure online sites or prevention security methods used by banks around the world – here are the must-have tips you need to know about the world of online security.
Table of Contents
What is Online Security?
Online security is something that we use every day, especially as business owners. If you’ve got a website, you’ve got to take steps that will keep personal information safe and free from attack. Failing to do so can have very serious consequences – as we’ve seen when data breaches and hacks occur, and the news picks up on the scandals. This can have quite a hit on a company’s reputation! There are lots of types of online security, so what should you be looking at if you own a business?
What Are The Steps That Businesses Use To Keep You Safe Online?
Advanced Encryption Technologies
One of the most important parts of all internet security is the use of advanced encryption technologies. A lot of secure online sites utilize this, especially if they have to deal with payments from customers or sensitive client data, such as healthcare data. If you were to ask whether large online sites are generally secure, the answer would usually be a resounding yes, because of the high levels of encryption making these sites hard for hackers to target.
Online banks, for instance, use SSL (Secure Socket Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security), which protect data that is being shared or transmitted from the server to the user. Encrypting all of this personalized data can ensure that it is safe from hacks and not intercepted by any third party. When it comes to online payment security methods, banks are usually the gold standard – not surprisingly – so we can look to them for learning opportunities.
Secure Payment Processing
Secure payment systems are important in keeping people’s financial information safe. They protect people’s financial and personal data from any threats of fraud or unauthorized activity – which of course is needed for companies that offer financial services or online payments. Essentially, the concept of secure payment systems is to be the online digital guardian of your customers’ money – through every transaction that they undertake. They abide by strict rules and are sometimes run by governing bodies, depending on the industry you sit within.
The best way to incorporate these processes into your business is to use online servers that offer security functionality. Many merchants and payment processors already liaise with governing bodies; therefore robust security methods will be guaranteed. Along with offering card payments and the security that comes with these types of processes, some financial institutions also opt for cryptocurrencies, as they are a form of payment that is particularly good when it comes to security.
Regular Security Audits
It’s all well and good having the best-of-the-best security processing technologies in place, but without auditing, you wouldn’t be doing your job correctly. To act as a safe online business, we recommend conducting thorough security audits and vulnerability assessments. These help you address any potential weaknesses in your website, along with any possible threats or hacks that are underlying in your servers. Secure online sites may use independent auditors from third-party organizations to make sure that all of their technology and data are up to scratch. By creating a trusted community online, no matter what type of business you are in, you’re more likely to get a budding community base of customers who trust your brand.
Authentication Procedures
Ever get frustrated with all the 2-step authentication processes that come with logging into your banks, your favorite shopping websites, and even social media? Though it can be very annoying for you when wanting to access your information quickly, it’s truly important in safeguarding all your data. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a common layer of security that most companies use to keep data safe. It can reduce the risk of unauthorized access, and level up account security online. It works by needing the user to connect their mobile device or receive a code through to their number or email – this makes sure that the person trying to access is the intended user, therefore stopping any breaches of data.
Create Data Privacy Policies
If you go onto any reputable online business, we’re pretty sure that you’ll find its privacy policy at the bottom of the page. This policy is there to help its user trust the brand, while also reinforcing the fact that the company in question abides by the appropriate processes. Data protection comes in many varieties – from the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which ensures transparent handling of personal data, to the technologies used in the backend, or cookie-use. Data protection laws should always be abided by, which is why companies share this on their data policy page online.
Reinforcing your online security measures as a business is a multifaceted approach that includes advanced encryption, secure payment processing, regular audits, and more. Many big-name companies across the world employ large audits, security teams, and more to back up their brands and guarantee to their customers that they are worth trusting.