Online Security Matters More Than You Might Think
There is no doubt that we live in a very digitalized world. From things such as smart fridges to smart cars, almost every part of our lives today is automated. Our digital finger print is growing every single day at a rate thats unprecedented!
How can you protect yourself online? How does this impact your business website?
Living in a digital world
The recent global pandemic has forced many companies to swap the typical face to face interactions for digital workspaces. While the demand grows for online working, learning, and recreation, so does the need for cyber security.
According to some recent studies:
95% of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error.
The average cost of a data breach is $3.86 million as of 2020
Personal data was involved in 58% of breaches in 2020. (Verizon)
In 2020, a Twitter breach targeted 130 accounts, including those of past presidents and Elon Musk, resulted in attackers swindling $121,000 in Bitcoin through nearly 300 transactions.
As we can see Cybersecurity is something plaguing our online world. There are Phishing attacks, IoT, DDos, and many more types of ways attackers are stealing our data. Hackers, scammers, and cybercriminals are increasing in number every day. Is there any light at the end of the tunnel?
How to protect yourself & business online
Although it may seem daunting at first, there are some surefire ways to stay safe online. We are going to go over some effective ways to protect yourself and your business:
Create good passwords
Although this may seem like a basic one, this is one of the most important ways to protect your data from being stolen. If you only have one password for many accounts this can be a serious issue. If one of those services experiences a breach of user info, you may place every other account you have created with the same email/password at risk. Its recommended to change your passwords often as well as have 2FA (2 Factor Authentication) activated if possible.
Have a Firewall
Despite perceived network security, firewalls are an effective means of blocking unauthorized access on your devices. Those devices could include anything considered a "smart" device connected to your local network. Many things like smart plugs and smart lights aren't always equipped with good security measures and can be a weak point in your defenses.
Think before you click
Many scammers and cybercriminals use very simple yet effective measures to steal your identity or other information. Scammers may use a picture or a link that once clicked either opens you up to a Phishing attack or a non secured website. One simple way to protect yourself is to check the persons email and verify you know the sender. If not simply do not click on it as many scammers may use "Grandpa" or "From your Wife" or other terms that may slip pass your guard. Another good practice is to not open emails that contain attachments or images unless you are absolutely certain you know the source. NEVER give out personal info from a link you click unless you can validate the sender.
Use SSL Secured Websites
SSL(Secure Sockets Layer) Encryption Certificates are absolutely vital for your website. This certificate authenticates your site identity and protects your users information with encryption. While being a safety feature primarily, SSL Encryption also provides a professional and secure look that puts your traffic at ease. Additionally, having an SSL Encryption is vital to having good SEO (Search Engine Optimization) practices.
We hope these tips help you to keep your personal data and online business secure. Our team would be happy to discuss how we can help you to create a stunning, responsive and secure website today.