Security breaches are becoming more common as companies increasingly rely on technology to do business. While there are no perfect solutions to information security, a layered approach can help you keep your business’s information secure.  Below are six simple steps you can implement to help you get started.   

1. Use a paid, reputable antivirus software solution on all devices that are used to access your company’s data. This includes computers, smartphones, tablets, and laptops -- both company-owned and personal -- that are used by you, employees, and contractors to access company data.

2. Enable multi-factor authentication on every business account that you, your staff, your contractors, and your consultants access. Multi-factor authentication is the technology that requires you to enter a code of some sort when you log into an account. It is sometimes called MFA, 2FA, 2-Step verification, or 2-Factor Authentication.

3. Do not “share” accounts between users whenever possible. For example, if you and a contractor both need access to your CRM, online newsletter portal, etc., each person should access it with his/her own separate account. 

4. Use a different password for each username/account, etc. that you access. Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts. Don’t use a “system” where you only change your various passwords between accounts by only a couple of numbers, etc. Pick completely different passwords for each separate account. This advice also applies to the answers you provide to those security questions that some accounts request.

5. Use high-quality passwords for your accounts. A high-quality password should not be easy to remember from memory and should contain uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols and should not be something associated with you or your family (or your staff or their families, etc.). 

6. Use a password manager to keep track of your passwords. Keep an offline copy of your master password and regularly export and store your password data. Keep your offline copy of the master password and your backup your passwords someplace safe and guard it like you would your other vital documents (like social security cards, passports, home deeds, etc.)  

While these steps are good, the best way to protect your information is to find an information technology company that is the right fit for your business, and work with them to develop a layered defense in-depth plan for your company's technology security needs. Developing a good long-term working relationship with an IT partner means you will have a trusted advisor to help you with the daunting task of securing your company’s information. 

Here at Vital Computing, we want to give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve done everything possible to secure your business’s electronic information. Schedule an assessment with us to get started.