It is key that you facilitate online conversations with your customers, as consumers are increasingly researching and engaging with businesses on digital platforms. But there are a range of threats, especially cyber-attacks, which can damage your reputation among consumers, limiting your ability to build a lucrative online presence. Turner Little explains how to keep your business safe online.
Take responsibility
Cyber-thieves are getting smarter. Figures show that they tried to steal £100m from UK taxpayers in 2015 and have targeted many major firms. You cannot afford to shift the responsibility for cyber-security onto your employees, so you should manage how and when employees can access your network. You could, for example, implement URL filtering, so staff do not visit ‘unsafe’ websites, shielding your digital assets from cyber-attacks and ensuring that they remain productive in the office.
Fight malware
You should strive to protect your office computers and laptops against malware. This malicious software can infiltrate and damage your network without your knowledge or consent, imposing significant repair costs on your business. You should invest in an internet router with an ‘on-board firewall’ as a first line of defence against malware. Purchase security software with features which shield you devices against hacker attacks, risky websites and identity theft, to broaden safeguards.
When selecting a malware software solution, you may want to opt for a programme which allows you to track your servers, PCs and mobiles from one console, to promote efficiency. You may also want to ensure that it comes with location awareness features, which can adapt the nature of malware protection, depending on where the device is. Finally, you could also invest in antispam software, which stops spam before it reaches your firm, blocking any potential malware contained in emails.
Employee policies
It is critical that you issue all personnel with web usage guidelines, so they can help you safeguard your business from cyber-criminals and online fraud. Your policy should cover proper company device practises, acceptable applications to download on computers and email usage guidelines e.g. when is it acceptable to open emails? With these points, your employees will know how to operate safely.
You should outline the consequences for improper web usage in this policy, so your staff have the incentive they need to adhere to your rules. It is also useful to appoint a ‘go to’ person in your guidelines. By creating this position, your staff will have someone they can go to when they have questions concerning your policy or computer security, decreasing the likelihood of cyber-breaches.
Social media measures
Social media marketing strategies will prove ineffective if you do not issue staff with best practise guidelines for using sites like Facebook. It is key that you state who has the right to represent your firm on social media, so inexperienced staff do not accidently damage your standing with consumers online. You should also state which company information is confidential and thus should not be posted on social media, to ensure that competing business’ cannot access pivotal private information.
Be very careful when it comes to personal employee social media accounts. You cannot control how staff act on their personal profiles, but you need to ensure that their online activity does not put your firm’s or their own safety at risk. Encourage personnel to limit the amount of private information they share on social media, to state your intentions without dictating how they can act. Similarly, you should only publish information that you feel comfortable being in the public domain on social media.
Strong passwords
Passwords serve as the gateways to your firm’s devices and digital assets. In your web usage policy, show employees how they can create strong passwords, to protect your networks. Passwords should ideally be at least eight characters long and feature a combination of random letters, numbers and special characters, to make them difficult to breach. You may want to utilise password management systems like Last Pass, to ensure that staff do not have to remember long, complex passwords.
Website development
It is also critical that you create strong, professional digital assets. This will both project your company’s key brand principles to target consumers and ensure that your firm’s online security is maintained, shielding you from risks such as cyber-crime. Here at Turner Little, we supply the internet services you need, such as website development, to create a robust online portal for your business.
Turner Little
Turner Little was founded in 1998 and it has since become a well-established UK based professional Company Registration Agent, Registered Bank Intermediaries and Business Consultants, as well as Trust provider. You can receive our monthly newsletter by signing up using the form below.
