No matter what industry you’re in, you need to be concerned about security if you have an online business. There’s a new data breach in the news every other week. And while it’s true that some industries are more vulnerable than others, the truth is that any business with an online presence is at risk.
But don’t despair! You can do things to protect your business, like using a secure web hosting service, implementing two-factor authentication, having expert-managed PKI, and training your employees in cybersecurity best practices.
1. Use a Secure Connection (SSL)
One of the easiest ways to protect your website is to ensure that all information passed between your server and your visitors’ browser is encrypted. This encryption can be done using a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate. SSL is a standard security protocol that creates an encrypted link between a server and a browser. This link ensures that all data passing between the two is private and secure.
Now is the time to start if you’re not already using SSL on your website. Most web hosting providers offer easy-to-install SSL certificates, and once you have one installed, you can enable HTTPS simply by changing the settings in your web server. If you’re unsure how to do this, your web hosting provider should be able to help.
2. Keep Your Software Up-To-Date
Another easy way to improve your website’s security is to ensure that all of your software is up-to-date. This includes the content management system (CMS) that powers your website and any plugins or extensions you may use.
Outdated software is one of the most common targets for attackers because it usually contains known vulnerabilities that can be exploited easily. Keeping your software up-to-date can close these vulnerabilities and make it much harder for attackers to access your website.
3. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional layer of security that requires users to provide their username and password and another piece of information before they’re granted access to an account or system. This “second factor” can be a one-time code generated by an app on their phone or a physical token that they insert into their computer.
While 2FA may sound like overkill for a website, it’s a very effective way to prevent unauthorized access – even if someone somehow manages to steal your username and password. That’s because, without the second factor, they won’t be able to log in even if they have all the other information they need.
If you’re not already using 2FA on your website, we recommend implementing it as soon as possible – especially for administrator accounts. Most CMSs have plugins or extensions that make it easy to add 2FA to your website with just a few clicks.Â
4. Use Expert-Managed PKI
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) is a system of digital certificates and security protocols used to authenticate users and encrypt information. It’s an essential part of online security, but it can be challenging to set up and manage properly. That’s why we recommend using an expert-managed PKI service.
An expert-managed PKI service will take care of all the details for you, from generating and installing digital certificates to setting up secure communication channels. This can free up valuable time and resources that you can use to focus on other aspects of your business.
5. Train Your Employees
Your employees are one of your most significant assets but can also be your biggest security risks. That’s why it’s essential to train them in cybersecurity best practices, such as using strong passwords, not sharing sensitive information, and being cautious about clicking on links or attachments in email.
You should also have a clear policy in place for how they should handle sensitive information and what to do if they suspect that their account has been compromised. Taking these steps can help reduce the risk of a data breach caused by employee error or negligence.
6. Implement Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems
Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) are designed to detect and block attempts to access a network or system. They work by monitoring network traffic for signs of malicious activity and then taking action to stop it.
IDPS can be a valuable addition to your website’s security, as they can help you detect and respond to attacks more quickly. They’re also relatively easy to set up and use, so you don’t need to be a security expert to benefit from them.
Final Thoughts
Security should be a top priority for any online business. The steps outlined above can help protect your website and your customer’s information from attackers.
Of course, security is an ongoing process, so it’s important to review your security measures and ensure they’re up-to-date regularly. Doing so can help you stay one step ahead of the attackers and keep your website safe.