Cyber-Security and Your Business

We all love today’s advanced technology, especially to help manage a business, such as iPhone apps, online and mobile services, social media, etc. With all of this advanced technology comes the issue of security breaches. A security breach is any incident where a hacker obtains unauthorized access of data, applications, services, or devices by illegally entering a confidential perimeter. As a business owner, here are tips and strategies to implement in order to prevent this from happening to you.

Use good antivirus software. There are many options available, so do your research and be sure to choose a reputable company. Once the software is purchased and installed, update it regularly in order to gain all the advantages of the updated version.

Create strong passwords. It is a smart business choice to use different passwords for different types of accounts. Try creating passwords that contain at least 8 characters in length and include upper and lower case letters as well as numbers. Security tokens are another preventative business tool that authorized users are given to confirm authentication. The token could be used by itself or in addition to a password to prove the user’s identity.

Lock down Wi-Fi. Be sure to set a password for your business’ Wi-Fi. Not having a public network will prevent security issues since the only users will be password holders. When you’re out of the office, be cautious about connecting to a public Wi-Fi network. Public Wi-Fi is an easy way for hackers to acquire personal or business information.

Stay educated. As a business owner, it’s very important to have knowledge on the latest security software, the different types of unwanted software, and new scams. Be proactive and prepared for a possible security breach within your business!

For more information, check out Fidelity’s Security Center at www.bankatfidelity.com/resources/security.