Don't Get Hacked Off – Here's How You Should Combat Data Theft Like A Pro

January 19, 2017

There is no getting away from the fact that hacking has become a grave concern for business owners. If someone penetrates your system and steals valuable information, there are lots of issues you could face. Firstly, you might get negative publicity if the media hear about the breach. That has happened to many established firms in the past. Secondly, the hackers might use the documents they steal to commit crimes. While you’re not to blame, you’ll have to live with that on your conscience. So, I wanted to release a post that shows you how to tackle hacking like a pro. Use the tips below to make sure your customers and clients are never affected.
Install firewall hardware
While most of us use firewalls as part of our antivirus package, you should also purchase the latest equipment. Software like Bitdefender works well, but it isn’t enough. There are any devices on the market today that sit between your router and computer system. They are designed to stop unwanted guests from gaining access and causing trouble. The best thing about those products is they’re not as expensive as you might think. When you weigh the costs of a possible hacking attack against the purchase price, it’s a no-brainer. The investment will pay for itself almost instantly, and your network should remain as secure as possible.
Encrypt everything
Whether you’re storing files on hard drives or in the cloud, you need to make sure you encrypt everything. That goes for your website too. There are software packages you can use to make that happen. However, a custom network is often the best solution. You can design it in a way that makes it almost impossible for someone to get inside without the right key. You should also encrypt all emails sent from your office. Sometimes hackers will use them to learn more about your approach and identify weaknesses. Don’t make the mistake of using free encryption services because they are inferior. You need a premium solution that’s built to take the strain.
Employ a business contingency specialist
There are experts out there who focus their attention on preventing hacking and dealing with the aftermath. It’s sensible for someone in your position to build a relationship with them as soon as possible. That way, they are ready to swing into action when something goes wrong. Industry leaders Prosyn say you just have to research potential brands before making your decision. Some will provide better services than others, and you need a company that always performs as expected. At the end of the day, your business will suffer if your computers are out of action for too long.
Dealing with data theft can become a real headache. Even so, you can remove a lot of the stress with careful pre-planning. Put my tips to good use this year, and the chances of you becoming a victim will decrease. When all’s said and done, there is little you can do to deter hackers from their goals. So, you just have to learn how to limit the impact they can have on your firm.

Mark Asquith

That British podcast guy, Mark is co-founder of Captivate.fm, the world's only growth-oriented podcast host. A Harvard, TEDx, Podcast Movement and Podfest speaker (amongst many more!), he's a wildly approachable Brit and Star Wars/DC Comics geek.

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