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In this new age of technology, it’s easier than even for people’s personal data to be stolen.

This is particularly a problem in big companies where the data is especially sensitive, such as hospitals. If the 2017 NHS cyber attack taught us anything, it’s that we need to be on top our game when it comes to using online services for our businesses. The last thing you want is to be in a position where you’re locked out of your own computer!

Even if you don’t feel like your business handles data which is personal or sensitive, you’re likely to have at least a handful of customer’s bank account details on your system- and it’s your responsibility as a business to make sure that these don’t get into the wrong hands. Although hacks aren’t always a business’ fault, it still comes across as pretty unprofessional, so it’s best to try and prevent them from happening. In fact, it’s law to have a data protection officer (DPO) when you meet one of a range of criteria, helping to ensure adherence to GDPR. If you don’t have one yet, and your business falls into one of the categories where they are a requirement, you could take a look at someone like these DPO providers and get one on board as soon as possible to ensure compliance.

If a customer can trust you, then they’re more likely to spend time and money on your business- so keeping your data protected is essential. Here are some ways you can keep your customer’s data safe:

Remain Vigilant

No matter how big you are, if you’re a business, then you’re a target- so don’t simply assume that a data breach could never happen to you. Nearly half of all cyber attacks happen in smaller businesses, since they tend to have fewer protective measures in place.

You must make sure that you’re properly safeguarding your customer’s data so that you’re best prepared for if someone tries to hack into your system. If your company is involved in a data breach and your customer’s information gets leaked, then it can take years to repair that kind of damage to your reputation.

Make Sure You’re Not Using An Outdated Operating Programme

If the programme that you’re using is outdated, then you pose a risk of being targeted by hackers. Any business that runs an older version of Windows is more vulnerable of picking up harmful malware that could potentially get hold of their customers’ data.

Windows 10 is one of the best programmes you could use, since it has a system in place to prevent hackers from locking up your computer and essentially holding you ransom until you pay them a certain amount.

If you’re looking for a place to purchase and download Windows 10 onto your company’s hardware, then look no further than SoftwarePal. Their team of experts are committed to help you through your purchase of your new software, and they will be happy to discuss the benefits of Windows 10 for your business with you. Click here for more information: msofficestore.co.uk

Use Strong Passwords

This might seem obvious, but the stronger your password, the less chance of hackers being able to infiltrate your system. Make sure to choose a long password that contains some special characters and numbers. Don’t include any information that somebody could easily find out about you, like a birthday or your pet’s name.

It’s also important to have a different password for each different site you use. It may be annoying having to remember so many different passwords- but do you know what’s more annoying? Having your business targeted by a hacker. 

If you only have one or two passwords, then hackers can easily gain access to everything you’ve worked so hard towards in your business. All it takes is for you to put your password into one infected site, for the entirety of your customers’ data to be put out in the open, so it’s much better to have a different password for each account.

Make Sure You Have Up-To-Date Security Software

If you don’t have antivirus and cyber security software, then stop whatever you’re doing and go and install some. This adds an extra layer of protection to your device and prevents it from being infected by any dangerous or harmful malware.

You should choose antivirus software that you can trust, since there’s no point putting your money into something that doesn’t work. Total AV, PC Protect, McAfee and Bitdefender are just a few top-rated antivirus programmes in the UK.

Once you’ve installed your antivirus programme, it’s important that you regularly update and patch the software. Over time, your antivirus may lose its efficiency if it’s not updated often, so as annoying as it may be having to restart your computer, it’s more than worth it if it means your customers’ data remains protected.

Use A Private Server Or Network

Having a private server provides another barrier between hackers and your customers’ data. Private servers give you the control of who is and isn’t allowed access into your network, as well as giving you the opportunity to keep track of everything on both your server and your network. This helps you to spot anything suspicious before it happens, giving your company data another layer of protection.

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