In 2020, small businesses in the US lost an average of $24,000 to cybercrime, while large businesses lost more than half a million dollars.
Cybercrime is a nuisance for businesses of all sizes and it’s up to business owners to step up to quell the cybercrime menace. However, doing so is easier said than done for most business owners.
Cyber attackers are getting cleverer by the day, and it’s harder for business owners to keep them at bay. However, by ensuring their website cybersecurity by PrimaSecure is up to date, they can stop cyber attackers in their tracks.
But is your business website’s security in top condition, and how can you make sure it is?
Keep reading for answers to these and more questions. That’s because today we’ll be looking at the best ways to keep your company’s website cybersecurity up-to-date.
Table of Contents
Understand the Potential Risks
The first step to fortifying your website’s cybersecurity is understanding the type of risks it faces. Cyberattacks are differentiated into many types, with some being more common than others.
That said, here are some common cybersecurity threats that business websites face:
Viruses
Viruses are a type of computer software that replicates itself by inserting its code into other computer programs. Viruses disrupt the normal functioning of computer systems, sometimes rendering them inoperable.
Business rivals can hire hackers and IT experts to create a virus that can bring IT operations to a halt. They can also use these viruses to gain unauthorized access to sensitive company information. Viruses are the leading cause of cybersecurity breaches in businesses worldwide.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of software that holds important data or sensitive information for ransom. The entities behind the ransomware will release the data only after you pay the ransom. Ransomware costs businesses and individuals in the US a whopping $1.85 million every year.
Phishing
Phishing is a type of cyber attack where hackers use phishing software to gain access to unauthorized information or resources. Phishing software can mimic login screens so unsuspecting users can enter their personal details, thinking they’re logging into their accounts or profiles.
These are the major threats to your website’s cybersecurity that you should address. Updating your website’s cybersecurity should help keep all of them at bay. Let’s look at how you can do just that.
Utilize Planning and Assessment Tools
Although having an elaborate cybersecurity team is great, without the right tools, they will be ineffective. That’s why, for the next step, you’ll need to get and install the right cybersecurity planning and assessment tools.
Some of these tools include:
Cyber Hygiene Vulnerability Scanning
Cyber hygiene vulnerability scanning has nothing to do with cleaning computers or your IT infrastructure. Instead, this tool helps strengthen your computers’ configurations and protects them from known vulnerabilities. Every week, you’ll get a report on the safety of your IT setup.
FCC Planning Tool
The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) is the body in charge of communication, whether local, interstate, or international. The FCC has an incredibly effective cybersecurity planning tool to help businesses and organizations create concrete cybersecurity plans.
Cyber Resilience Review
This is a non-technical assessment that analyzes your website’s resilience to cyber-attacks. Most businesses handle the assessments by themselves, but it’s advisable to find a managed IT service provider to do it for you.
Update All Your Software
Make sure you keep all your software up to date, especially those that handle web transactions and sensitive data. These software updates contain security patches meant to curb the latest cyber-attack technologies. They also take care of loopholes that hackers would exploit to gain access to sensitive information.
Most software updates happen automatically, but sometimes you have to check for and install the updates manually. Either way, don’t forget to update your software regularly for ultimate cybersecurity.
Keep an Eye Out for SQL Injection
Hackers may sometimes use URL parameters or fields in your website forms to gain access to your database. This is a little out of the scope of normal business people, and you might have to hire professional IT services for this one. Otherwise, hackers may alter your data fields, gain access to sensitive data, and even delete it.
Update Your Antivirus
Did you renew your antivirus subscription? Or do you maintain that old is gold? While updating software, don’t forget to update your antivirus. This is what forms the backbone of your commercial website’s security and protects against cyber attacks.
As mentioned above, hackers are coming up with new viruses that can circumvent your website’s cybersecurity. Antivirus updates are meant to take care of these new viruses and keep them from disrupting your website. If your antivirus is subscription software, be sure to renew the subscription as soon as it expires.
Find a Secure Web Host
The web host you pick plays a critical role in determining cybersecurity and business website maintenance. As a result, choose a secure web hosting service to protect your company from cyber-attacks. This is especially true if you have experienced business growth and your website is attracting more visitors.
You can use the following guiding question to pick the right web host for ultimate cybersecurity.
- Does the host have a rootkit scanner?
- Does it offer backup services for your files?
- Does the web hosting service offer a Secure File Transfer Protocol?
- How frequently does the web host upgrade its security features?
Use the above questions to help you determine whether a specific web host is right for your website. Make sure the web host you choose has all the necessary hardware and features to keep your website safe.
Update Your Website Cybersecurity Today
The above information should help you keep your business website cybersecurity up-to-date. Remember, website security starts with you and your staff. Also, don’t be afraid to get professional help from a managed IT service provider if necessary.
For more insightful content, be sure to check out the other posts on the site.
