Are you thinking about starting up your own business? Before you do, there are some things you should know. Lessons can be learned on the road to success but some things should be understood straight off the bat. Security should never be viewed as optional. Particularly, if we are speaking about the security of your clients or customers personal details. This list will help you ensure your company is protected before it has found a place on the market.
Make Sure you Understand Computers
Computers are useful tools for business owners and are used in almost every aspect of life. However, you should understand how to utilise their security measures before you use them.
First, if you set up an Internet network (which you will) ensure that it is properly password protected. We will come back to passwords later. The key message is the more random and hard to guess the better. If anyone has the network password, they can easily access any files or data you have been sharing. If you are working from outside an office, never use a free connection. Free Internet runs on non-secure connections. This means with the right skills anyone can see what you are using them for.
Second, use a firewall. A firewall will protect your employees from accessing any websites that could have viruses. Just to be clear, these days designers of computer viruses are not playing fair. There is currently a virus online that will clone every piece of data. It will then send it to whoever designed the virus.
Third, always use a physical hard drive that you can see and touch. Never store any information on the cloud. The clue is in the name. Clouds are light, easily accessible, and they leak. If you are using USB sticks or external hard drives to store date make sure you know where they are at all times.
Do not underestimate hackers
A great password will not stop hackers. Important or valuable files should also be encrypted. If you are using passwords, then make sure it has no information relating to you. Some companies will suggest you use your pets name, birthdays and such like. This is ill advised. The password should not be anything someone can guess if they have information about you. This may sound paranoid but at the point technology is at now, paranoia is a good.
Understand what “deleted” means
We are not trying to scare you, but emptying the recycling bin on your computer does nothing. All the files you have deleted remain on the hard drive. You can find a simple guide online on how to access deleted files. It does not matter how long ago you erased it, the information will always be on your hard drive. The only way to get rid of data is through shredding. This obliterates the hard drive and everything on it. So what do you do if you need to get rid of customer or client information? The best thing to do is hire a business that specialises in secure data shredding.
Has your anxiety levels about security jumped up a few levels? It should have. Remember if you own the company you are responsible for any data it is holding. However, if you understand the basics then your company and your customers will be protected.
