We’ve evolved into a world where everything is accessible from typing away a few keys on a keyboard or simply clicking an icon to load up what we’re looking for. With all of this information just fingertips away, cyber-security should be taken just as seriously as your health. Securing your information, your employees’ information, and your client’s information is of the utmost importance. Here are 4 simple ways you can secure yourself and your business online.

Install Reputable Anti-Virus Software
Just as the flu evolves each year, so do computer viruses. One simple evolution cycle can wreak havoc on entire systems and bring them to a crashing halt. A simple action of visiting a nefarious website or following the wrong link can put you in the position of being compromised. Once a villain has made their way into your machine they can quickly spread to other machines linked within your network. Anti-virus software gives you a reliable layer of protection by catching old and new viruses before they can compromise your most sensitive information.

Create Secure Passwords
One of the easiest ways a villain can break into your accounts is by guessing your password. What you may consider being secure and easy for you to remember may be one of the easiest for a person to guess. Maybe you throw your birth year at the end of the name of your favorite sports team. “Nobody will guess this!” Surprise! This is super easy for a villain to figure out just by scrolling through your social media feed or performing a quick search of you. Make long complex passwords with a mix of upper-case and lower-case characters. Throw in some numbers and symbols to keep attackers at bay. Your employees and clients should follow the same rules.

Keep Software Up-To-Date
Software has a lifespan. Eventually, security patches stop getting issued even though new vulnerabilities continue to be found. When these security holes are left open it essentially leaves your entire system open to outside attacks. Don’t take a shortcut by saying “I’ll skip this update” because the update you skip may just be the update that prevents your system from being taken down. Some of the most famous data breaches could have been prevented by applying a simple patch instead of ignoring or pushing it off to a later date.

Stay Educated On Current Trends In Phishing Attacks
Maybe you have a few employees; maybe you have many. It only takes one of them to fall victim to a phishing attack. All it takes is a single click on a cleverly designed email that looks like it’s coming from a legitimate source. It’s important to educate yourself and your employees on the latest approaches that cybercriminals are taking to launch their phishing attacks. With proper training on how to spot the latest approaches, you and your employees can thwart this most common and costly type of cyber-attack.

These are just a few of the ways that you can be vigilant in securing your online presence. Protecting you and your business from cyber-attacks doesn’t have to be hard and we’re here to help you every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to reach out to us.