6 Ways to Keep Your Business Safe Online During the Holidays

Your business’s security should always be a priority. During the holidays, however, it becomes increasingly important to make sure everything is taken care of and running smoothly in order to avoid any distractions or problems that could arise. Here are six ways you can protect your online business from risks during the holidays:

1. Utilize Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication:

Using unique passwords for all work accounts is essential to secure company data during the holidays. Make sure your passwords are at least 8 characters long and contain a mixture of numbers, symbols, and upper/lower case letters. Additionally, consider setting up multi-factor authentication (MFA) which requires you to enter a code in addition to your password when logging into any of your accounts.

2. Update Your Software Regularly:

Software updates are important for keeping your business secure, so be sure to update any software frequently and make sure all employees do the same. This includes updating anti-virus software, firewalls, and any other security measures you have in place. Additionally, make sure your router is secure by changing the settings and utilizing WPA2 encryption to prevent unwanted guests from accessing your network.

3. Monitor Your Accounts:

Keep an eye on all of your accounts during the holidays — especially financial accounts. During the holiday season, cybercriminals will be out in full force trying to steal your financial information. Be sure to monitor your bank accounts regularly so you can catch any suspicious activity right away and take action. Set up alerts for any large transactions, and consider using two-factor authentication for added security.

4. Train Your Employees:

Ensure your employees are knowledgeable about cybersecurity best practices and that they understand the importance of data security during the holidays. Make sure everyone is aware of secure password policies, data storage and disposal procedures, and other security measures.

5. Prepare for the Worst:

It’s important to plan ahead in case of a breach or incident during the holidays. Make sure you have an emergency response plan in place that outlines how to identify, respond to, and contain security issues as soon as they arise.

6. Consider Working with an Expert:

If your business needs extra help protecting itself online, consider working with an experienced cybersecurity firm that can help you secure and protect your data during the busy holiday season. They can also provide valuable advice on how to ensure a secure system and protect against any potential threats. Having expert help can make all the difference in keeping your business and its data safe.

Protect Your Business

By following these steps to protect your business online, you’ll be better prepared for any potential threats during the holidays.

Utilizing strong passwords, updating software regularly, monitoring accounts, training employees on security best practices, and preparing for the worst are all important steps to take. Investing in a managed IT service can help you stay ahead of any security threats during the holidays.

It’s important to be diligent and take the necessary steps to protect your business from any potential risks. With the right measures in place, you’ll be able to keep your business safe this holiday season.

Chris Turn
 

Chris has experience covering the latest trends in the small business world, and has a reputation for being a knowledgeable, creative and strategic blogger. He has a deep understanding of marketing and branding principles and how they can be applied to small businesses, and is able to provide actionable advice and strategies for success. Chris has interviewed industry experts and covered major marketing events such as the SXSW Interactive conference and the Advertising Week conference. He is also a successful small business owner himself, which allows him to bring a unique perspective to his blogging and writing. His blog is known for providing valuable insights and tips on how to effectively market and brand a small business.