What Are The Best Cybersecurity Measures For Your Online Business?

Online businesses have gained a lot of traction in recent years. Their popularity has grown exponentially during the recent lockdowns as people begin looking for new ways to generate an income.

However, there are risks to running your own online business. Online businesses are a common target of cybercrime. If you own an online business, or you’re working remotely, it is important to understand the potential risks you could be facing.

Understanding cybercrime and how to keep your devices safe can prevent a lot of headaches in the future. Prevention is the best form of defence and you should get your cybersecurity measures in place before you become a victim.

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How Do Cybercriminals Target Online Businesses?

Cybercriminals have developed their tactics over the years. Nowadays they have become so proficient at committing their crimes that they can break into your devices in minutes. Even worse, they can sometimes do it undetected.

One tactic that is commonly used by cybercriminals is phishing. Phishing has been around for many years, but recently it has become much more advanced than the old Nigerian Prince scam we’re all used to.

Cybercriminals will now use social engineering to trick their victims into believing that they’re interacting with someone they know and trust. In the example of an online business, they could disguise themselves as a well-known company such as PayPal, or even as a client.

An example of a phishing scam would be if you were to receive an email from PayPal instructing you to update your billing information. However, the link in the email will take you to a fake website that has a keylogger installed which will copy all of your details.

The problem is that cybercriminals are so good at creating replica emails and websites that the victim might never even realize that they are being scammed. They can copy everything from the logos to the colour scheme and layouts of the emails, so everything will look official.

Another way that cybercriminals can break into devices is by installing malware onto them. Malicious software can include viruses, ransomware and even spyware. This software is designed to cause serious damage to the victim’s device.

For example, ransomware can be used to encrypt important files related to your online business. No one will be able to access those files unless the ransom fee is paid to the cybercriminals.

Malicious software can be installed on your devices through interacting with email attachments, links or pop up ads online. In most cases, the software will be downloaded in the background, and the victim may never even know about it being there.

VPN Software

VPN software is one of the most useful cybersecurity tools you can use for your online business. It is best to have your whole team use VPN software for maximum security.

A VPN will encrypt your internet traffic, which means that no one will be able to access your devices and snoop around in your files. None of your data will be stored, and you won’t leave any digital footprints online that cybercriminals can use against you.

It is always best to use premium VPN software as opposed to the free version. This has several benefits including better internet speeds, no data caps and a full list of global servers to connect to. Move over, many VPN providers will also offer a package that allows your entire team to use the software with one account.

Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is a must-have for anyone who uses the internet, never mind owning an online business. It is an extremely important tool to have, as it will be able to detect any malicious software, even if you can’t see it.

Antivirus software will constantly scan your devices for any malicious software. It can also take the necessary steps to have that software removed from your devices.

You must always keep your antivirus software up to date. Software updates are regularly sent out to fix any flaws that have been discovered. They will also add new layers of security to your device.

Password Managers

One of the most neglected security functions is passwords. Many people do not set up their passwords correctly. This can lead to their accounts being hacked, and all of their information stolen.

You should always be using strong and unique passwords. Strong passwords are made up of words, phrases or numbers that do not relate to any of your personal information, as this can easily be used by a hacker to get hold of your personal information.

All of your passwords should also be unique. This means that you need to use a different password for every account that you have, otherwise you may suffer multiple account breaches at once.

This makes it difficult to remember passwords for each account that you have. However, if you use a third-party password manager, you will be able to safely keep track of all your login credentials and share them securely with your team.

If you are interested in even more business-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels, then we have a lot to choose from.

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