When it comes to securing your small business online, you have probably gotten all the basics in place. Especially if you are taking customer details and payments online. Security protection such as adding an SSL certificate, encryption to protect private and sensitive information and anti-virus software at the very least.

Making sure the customer experience is safe, smooth and protected is your number one priority when it comes to dealing with information online. Have you thought of adding another layer of protection through managed it services to your online business? Something that will not only enhance customer security but also protect you, as the business owner from fraudulent transactions, site users and customers who aren’t as honest as they seem.

So, what are the best practices to put in place when it comes to protecting your customers and your business at the same time? One of the very best practices is to begin working with managed IT services to support your business needs, especially so that security issues are covered. Regardless of whether you or an external firm will be in charge of your company’s IT security, this article will explain five great practices you must ensure are implemented. 

Online Verification and Authentication

With online fraud and identity theft at an all-time high, there is no denying that many small business owners will have encountered this problem before now. From people providing credit card details that do not belong to themselves. One way to combat this issue and keep yourself safe to find a company who can install an identity verification service with a seamless process to your existing network.

Using this, you will be able to let customers upload ID for age-restricted products or services. Scan documents to prove who they are and where they live cutting down on packages being misdelivered due to mistakes and allow you to cut your losses due to this and work seamlessly and efficiently when it comes to dealing with customer details.

Back-Up Regularly

When was the last time you backed up your online site or storefront? Make regular backups of your online business a habit. Make sure that if the unthinkable does happen, you can restore everything to the latest backup.

If your site is attacked you will have recent backups so you can carry on working. If everything you need to run your business is backed up online as well as physically, should you lose everything you need to run your company due to fire, floods or theft, you can be confident you will have all the information you need to keep on working.

Staff Vigilance.

If you have staff members working for you, make sure they are aware of how their behaviour online can attract security risks to the company. Consider regular on the job training to keep every member of staff up to date on the latest security issues, phishing attacks and scams that could threaten the business.

Remind them of the importance of not clicking links in emails they are unsure of or opening sites they shouldn’t be accessing via work technology. Making sure everyone is trained and confident to spot any security issues if they arise is a proactive way to add an extra layer of defence to your online business.

Use A Password Manager.

We all know how important it is to have strong secure passwords. A great way to add an extra layer of protection to your business is to install a password manager. Not only will this remember your different passwords without you needing to store them or write them down, but it can also suggest strong passwords.

The stronger your password, the less likely someone will be able to hack into your accounts and steal any information. Prompt employees to change their own passwords regularly. Remind them of the importance of using strong passwords not only at work but also on personal devices and accounts to further prevent any unwanted access.

Update Regularly

Do you use software or apps to help you run your business? Make sure you install all the latest updates as soon as they are rolled out. Updates address any issues that have been identified since the previous update. This includes fixing any security issues that have shown up or changes to the way the app/software works or including new features to name a few.

If you delay in updating the latest updates, you can be leaving your company open to any vulnerabilities that hackers may use to gain access to all your information and that which you hold of customers. Make it a priority to keep on top of this and make sure your employees are following the same procedure on any devices they use for work.

You can never be too careful when it comes to keeping your business safe online. no matter the industry you are working in, you need to make sure that you are taking all the necessary action to protect your own details and that of your customers too.