I know, I know… yet another task to add to the never ending to-do list. However, we can’t escape the simple fact that as your business’ digital footprint grows, you are exposing yourself to security breaches and cyber attacks. There’s a few simple guidelines to follow to help negate this risk and an easy one to start with is keeping your password safe. Having a weak or easily accessible password for your website is like leaving the keys to your house under the doormat.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of a security breach on your website and protect your business from cyber threats, so read on.
1. Use strong and unique passwords
Sorry, but password123 just doesn’t cut it anymore. A strong password should contain a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using common phrases, personal information, or easily guessable words. Also, use a unique password for each of your online accounts to avoid a domino effect of breaches.
2. Implement two-factor authentication (2FA)
2FA is a nifty security process that makes sure no one’s sneaking into your website. You know when you are forced to check your phone or email for a code before you can sign in somewhere? That’s 2FA in action. You can set this up on your website too and it’s something that I highly recommend. Highly. Like, super high.
Even though having an extra step to log in is a total pain in the butt, it’s important to remember that your website contains some very valuable information – your content that you spent days writing and tweaking, your images that were carefully planned and curated and, if you run an online store, it contains personal data about your valued customers. If that data is breached, it could land you in serious legal hot water.
Ask your web developer to set it up for you; it is as simple as checking a box and downloading an authentication app, like Authy.
3. Keep passwords secure
Avoid writing down passwords or saving them in a document on your computer or mobile device. Instead, use a password manager to securely store and manage your passwords. Password managers generate strong and unique passwords, and most of them offer features like auto-fill and auto-login. There’s many free password managers that you can sign up for which holds them all in a secure vault – it’s such a time saver for busy business owners. Try LastPass and see if you like it.
4. Regularly update your website password
Even if you have strong passwords, you should update them regularly. Set a reminder to update your passwords every three to six months and definitely update them after a data breach. Also, make sure to remove website access for any former employees or contractors who no longer need it.
Taking these simple steps will go a long way in keeping your website safe and secure, and your valuable data out of the hands of the bad guys. Don’t wait until it’s too late, start bulletproofing your website today – it will be well worth it for your peace of mind.
