5 Tips to Improve Online Safety at Your Company

It seems like every week there’s a new headline about another company whose private information and customer data has been compromised. When cyber criminals identify a target, they’ll stop at nothing to cause maximum damage.

Despite efforts to curb this activity, the grim reality for business owners is that hacking and cybercrime are on the rise. Reported threats increased 55 percent in 2016 and 61 percent in 2017, according to research from the Ponemon Institute. That makes comprehensive business cybersecurity more important today than ever before.

Still, creating a detailed cyber safety program at your workplace might seem difficult and overwhelming. Thankfully, the process can be simple and straight-forward. Get started with these tips:

1) Assess Your Risk

No one wants to think their company could fall victim to cybercrime. But as mentioned, it happens every day. As a responsible business leader, you want to fulfill your commitment of a safe and solid organization to customers, business partners, shareholders, and others.

Begin by getting a total picture and realistic view of your company’s digital vulnerability. Know what most needs shielding and how to reach this goal. If you don’t have an information technology (IT) group on staff, reach out to a Florida IT staffing firm that can offer valuable assistance and protection.

2) Communicate Clearly and Often

The last thing your customers and clients want to discover is that you’ve suffered a data breach. However, should such an incident occur and the information is delayed or not disclosed at all, this could have lasting negative effects on the prosperity of your business.

As a responsible and engaged leader, you pride yourself in demonstrating that you have the best interests of the company at heart. Even during chaotic and confusing moments, clients will appreciate your candor and accountability. While the incident is addressed and fully disclosed, find a firm well-versed with networks in Daytona Beach to ensure there won’t be a recurrence.

3) Get Everyone on Board

Cybersecurity is a team effort. Though some employees may grumble about having to select secure passwords every few weeks, it’s essential that they understand the major pitfalls of failing to safeguard the company’s digital assets. Among the many consequences is potential downsizing, which would have direct and devastating effects on all workers.

Employee education is central to the continued cyber health of your company’s important digital information. Develop and enforce strict online safety guidelines and make sure each team member fully understands their role in keeping private data safe.

4) Create Employee Ambassadors  

To that end, it’s also helpful if you can get a handful of workers fully committed to and interested in ongoing cybersecurity at your organization. These employees don’t have to be “techies,” but rather dedicated professionals who can influence co-workers.

Sometimes team members are reluctant to adhere to company policies. They may feel intimidated or otherwise resistant to changing policies. However, positive peer inspiration and education can often make a lasting impact on possible holdouts.   

5) Enlist Professional Support

Don’t wait until your company falls victim to cybercrime. Take a proactive approach by creating a disaster plan and implementing security measures today. In addition, it’s paramount that your safeguards are continually kept up to date.

Cybersecurity is not a “one and done” endeavor. However, not all companies have the time or resources to maintain the necessary daily vigilance to detect and prevent cyber-attacks. That’s when it makes sense to enlist professional Orlando IT support.

Vann Data offers a variety of tools to help your business grow and thrive. That includes Daytona Beach networking and IT security, helpdesk services, business continuity and disaster recovery, IT planning and budgeting, and more. We’re also the premier resource for computer repair in Ormond Beach and throughout Central Florida. Contact us today to improve cybersecurity at your business.