Seven ways to safeguard your online data while using the internet

In today’s digital world, where all ongoing projects, records, and paperwork take place on the cloud, nothing is more critical than cybersecurity to keep your company’s data safe. In fact, all types of data ranging from brand reputation, finances, and everything in between runs through software and network to ensure every business operation and feature is accessible by recognized and authorized individuals.

However, just because that data is accessible doesn’t guarantee that it is safe from prying eyes. It also doesn’t mean you will remain protected when you or your employees access the internet to utilize the latest cloud-based or remote working technologies. Hackers can steal your data and misuse it for their benefit. 

So, if you’re a business owner who wants to keep their data confidential and away from hackers, this article is for you because if you aren’t protecting your data, you’d rather give it to hackers for free. With that in mind, let us look at some ways that will allow you to safeguard your data while you’re using the internet.

Hire a cybersecurity professional to safeguard your data.

Securing your data is a no-brainer; however, most businesses out there haven’t taken the steps necessary to ensure their data is safe. These companies haven’t even hired a cyber security specialist and depend on obsolete data protection protocols.

Hiring a cybersecurity professional will allow you to stay one step ahead of hackers through a robust action plan which addresses all of your cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Moreover, they will perform an audit and comprehensive risk assessment of your existing security system to identify issues and suggest solutions for said issues. 

However, if your network, computers, or business website were hacked, the first step towards recovery would be to hire a digital forensics analyst to take control of the situation and start countermeasures. These individuals will investigate the hack and help you repair or recover damaged or stolen data files. 

Don’t forget to encrypt your data.

Data encryption will allow you to decrease your data’s vulnerability to hackers and thieves drastically. Various cybersecurity measures paired with data encryption will enable you to keep your data safe and secure if it ends up in the wrong person’s hands.

That said, for some unknown reason someone gains access to your business data, they will not be able to access files without breaking through the encryption. 

Moreover, if you’re working on the cloud, data encryption is more vital. Of course, you’ll also have to hide your programs and operating systems from prying eyes because, in the end, it would be wise to encrypt every device that logs onto the internet daily to reduce the chances of thefts and hacks. 

Educate your workforce. 

Without a doubt, all of your business resources will be accessible to numerous individuals, from employees to managers to yourself. So naturally, such a thing is a cybersecurity risk within itself. Due to this, it is more crucial than ever to educate your workforce on safe web surfing practices and data security to ensure that they remain aware of the risks.

In the end, when you make your workforce a vital aspect of your security solution, you will double your efforts when looking to keep your business data safe from online thieves and hackers. So, if your business relies heavily on its IT department and web-based resources, it will be wise to educate and train your employees about online data security best practices. 

Keep everything up-to-date.

When you’re dealing with a significant IT infrastructure, it will be a no-brainer to keep all of your security software and operating systems up to date, which might feel like a daunting task initially.

You must take the steps necessary to protect your data. An easy and hassle-free way to ensure that your security software and operating systems are up-to-date is automatically configuring them to download and install updates. 

For instance, Microsoft releases tons of security patches and updates for their Windows operating system every month or so. So, if you’re using Windows, ensure that you’ve turned on its automatic updates feature. These updates will address potential cybersecurity issues as soon as they become familiar. 

Install anti-malware software.

Although free antivirus software, such as the one provided with your operating system, will be enough for home computers, it usually won’t do the job when looking to protect the data on your business computers. 

So, consider installing anti-malware software to ensure that your computers and other devices remain protected from online data thefts. With that in mind, there are tons of anti-malware software developers out there.

You have to choose one that fits your budget and requirements. It would be good to stay away from free versions as the security features you require will be locked. 

Put a lock on your wireless networks.

Wireless internet might be a big convenience, but it won’t be safe or secure if you allow random access. In addition, a hacker logged into your wireless network can intercept and take control of your data without putting in too much effort. 

To avoid such an issue, restrict access by changing your password and consider enabling WPA2 protection on your wireless routers, as it is more secure than older protection standards such as WPA or WEP.

If you are using the latest protection standards the digital security industry has to offer, you’re good to go.

Install firewalls.

There is no better way to ensure that your data remains protected online other than installing a firewall on all of your business devices, whether it is computers, laptops, smartphones, or tablets. That said, you don’t have to go out of your way as your operating systems’ firewall will do the trick for you.

You only have to turn it on in your operating systems’ security settings tab. Furthermore, your network routers usually have built-in firewalls as well, so contact the manufacturer or your IT support team to know how to turn it on if it isn’t.

Conclusion. 

It might seem like extra money spent or time investment, but keeping your business data safe from the ever-growing sea of online threats is vital to your company’s success. Moreover, by using suitable software and hardware to secure your data, your customers, employees, and, most importantly, your business will be safe from hackers and other online threats.