As a startup business, you are expected to offer and provide the best services or products to your clients. However, the important responsibility of securing the place of your business is often overlooked. As you are mainly operating online, you have a duty and obligation to help make the internet safer for everyone using it. And the first step towards it is building a strong and effective security system for your company.
One of the best ways to enhance and upgrade your security is to take small but important steps. Following are 7 ways which can help strengthen the security of your startup business:
1.Devise a solid security plan
Devising a plan is one of the first and most important steps you should take. Develop an effective plan and try to cover as many areas as possible. Implement a policy governing data usage, disclosure, and exchange for increased accountability. Decide which tools are required to help defend and protect your system from a cyber attack.
You can also choose one password across all accounts and implement a policy requiring all employees to install VPN on their devices. It is better if everyone in your company uses the same service. If you’re having difficulty choosing the top VPN providers, it’s great to read about VPN services and benefits it can bring you since there are a lot of different providers on the market today and you want to make your choice wisely.
To further ensure security, you should have strict access within office premises along with online protection. Place hidden CCTV cameras in corners. Lock confidential paper documents in drawers.
2.Collect minimal customer data
Make sure your privacy policy focuses on protecting the sensitive data captured and collected from your customers. Keep minimal information to avoid compromising your customers. Of course, you may want to know whether your site visitors use an Android or iOS, or whether they use a desktop or mobile to make transactions and transfers. But make sure you mention that you do not store their credit card details. Remove or delete such data from the system once the time from checkout has elapsed.
3.Establish a strong password management system
According to a survey by Avatier, a person keeps an average of 27 passwords. People tend to forget their passwords, so users keep duplicate or easy-to-remember passwords. It’s essential that your company does not lose data accounts just because of weak discrete passwords.
One effective solution to such security issues is social login and single sign-on (SSO). SSO provides users with a single password to access various systems.
It’s suitable for businesses of all sizes. On the other hand, social login allows users to log in or register on a site or an app through their social media account, like Twitter or Facebook. The usage of social login has also increased from 53% in 2012 to 77% in 2014.
4.Conduct privacy checkups
With an increase in social login, it is advisable that you audit and review all the social media accounts of your business. It’s advisable to have at least one admin to run your Facebook page. Usually, admins use personal profiles to access controls and settings. Although it’s essential that you trust your employees, it is advisable that you instruct the admin to create another separate account for Facebook page management.
Furthermore, it’s important that you implement the two-factor authentication method on Twitter, Gmail, and Instagram as well.
5.Do business with only trusted vendors
Make sure you’re diligent before making a deal with a vendor. Nowadays, the IT industry mostly consists of startups whose main aim is to help other startups. However, make sure you carefully analyze and review the situation before agreeing to anything. It is advisable that you look for the reviews of real clients, both online and offline. Ask them about their security. Has the IT company established or is establishing a loyal customer base? If not, it is advisable to investigate a bit further. Some businesses just want to drain other company’s bank accounts without any concern for their security.
6.Update firmware
According to the National Cybersecurity Alliance, remember to turn automatic updates on. This will help reduce the maintenance job for the IT department. Also remember to remind your employees to update browsers, software accounts, and operating systems.
7.Think before you click
Lastly, avoid suspicious offers and links. If you’re doubtful, it is better not to click. Now, hackers are able to hide malware in an email. For example, they can easily use your email address and the bank’s logo and direct you to a phishing site.
Make sure you train your employees to be vigilant and cautious at all times. Emphasize the importance of identifying and verifying the identity of the people they’re dealing with. These employees are responsible for your company’s security. Make sure you give all the support and training needed to fulfill that responsibility.