When did your business last have a security health check?

Symantec’s 2017 Internet Security Threat Report stated that in the last 8 years, more than 7.1 billion identity records have been exposed in data breaches. Australian consumers are regularly faced with news of major security breaches and blunders, leaving them questioning their right to data protection.

It can be difficult for SMEs to understand the implications a security breach can have on their business, often resulting in security measures taking the back foot to other business concerns such a finances and revenue.

SMEs need to understand that not only can breaches be costly, with the average cost per attack on Australian businesses sitting at over $275,000, but a security blunder can eliminate consumer trust in your services.

With Domino’s being the latest victim of an online attack, leaving customers concerned about where their information may have leaked, there is no better time to run your business through an online security health check.

Security can be very simple, and when platforms such as ours offer affordable solutions, it has never been easier to take steps towards securing your business.

Here are a few tips to give your business an online security health check. The more you tick off, the tighter your business security will be:

  1. Do you have a strong password system?

Doing something as simple as creating a range of unique passwords across your systems, and ensure they are changed every 90 days or so, can help to reduce the ability of your businesses data to be hacked. Look into using password management software to easily help you store and access unique, strong passwords for every user and every service.

  1. Have you trained your staff adequately?

Your employees should have as much responsibility to your business’ online security as you. Ensuring all employees have an understanding about the precautions they should take to ensure work files and private information remain safe is vital to cyber-safety.

  1. Is your data backed up?

Putting in place a strong backup solution will ensure that vital data is not lost in the case of a security breach or online malfunction. Crazy Domains’ Cloud Backup service will automatically protect your PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android device and Facebook pictures in one account.

  1. When was the last time you updated your software?

As hackers are finding new ways to breach secure information, software companies are responding with stronger protection services. If you do not update your software regularly, you are putting yourself and your business at risk of missing out on these new protective measures and falling victim to a hack.

  1. Do you have an incident response plan?

Just like an evacuation plan or fire drill, an action plan for responding to a cyber attack is crucial. It is important that all members of your business know exactly what to do in the case of a hack.

  1. Have you scanned your website for malware and security holes?

Many vulnerabilities on your website can lie dormant for months or even years before a hacker finds and exploits them. Giving your a security health check site and closing these gaps is an important ongoing practice to prevent hacks from ever happening.

Gavin Gibson, Chief Operating Officer, Crazy Domains