If you believe that your online data is safely encrypted thanks to OpenSSL software, you could be mistaken. The BBC says that a weak-point in OpenSSL encryption may have compromised more than 60% of all websites. With such huge security breaches threatening small business owners’ data, how can you be sure that you’ve addressed possible security concerns and why is is so important?
You Could Already Be Compromised
Cybercrime makes up the bulk of all hacker activity today; a study by Hackmageddon found that while nearly a third of hacker attacks are perpetuated by hacktivist groups, more than half of attacks in 2014 have been acts of felonious cybercrime. Just last month, the ominously named “Heartbleed” bug gave hackers access to tremendous amounts of data via a gap in Open Secure Sockets Layer software, sparking privacy and security concerns for individuals and small businesses alike. Most frighteningly, countless users are still unsure about whether their data has been compromised. Fortunately, installation is safe for WordPress sites; however, you could still be at risk. If your website is powered by WordPress, your first step should be to contact either the Server Administrator or Web Host and find out what they’ve done to protect themselves (and you) against the Heartbleed Bug.
Google App users dodged a potentially dangerous bug thanks to Google’s diligence; it was Google that employed the researcher who discovered the bug and thus the first to start patching. Google assessed its products and found that the family of Google applications including popular apps like Search, Wallet, Gmail, Google Play and Google Chrome were not affected by Heartbleed, according to Google’s Security Blog.
What Can You Do?
Small businesses can protect themselves from hackers who exploit vulnerabilities such as Heartbleed in a variety of ways, and they should take these steps immediately if they have not already. After all, the Ponemon Institute released a recent study showing that 65% of security breaches target pay data; the kind of data small businesses store online. Here are a few ways to protect yourself from cybercrime.
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Take Precautions: It’s impossible to keep an eye on your data at all times, but what you can do is hire a fraud protection service to do it for you. Identity theft protection provides peace of mind that if your personal data is compromised, there’s already someone working to stop it. Employing such a service can stop problems from spiraling out of control and give you insights into what weaknesses your current security might have.
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Use the Cloud: Storing data from employee information to customer data on the cloud is not only easy to do but can be significantly more secure than previous data storage techniques. Cloud server operators have a scaled stake in proper security, as they manage data for many users, and pass this along to their users. Furthermore, Cloud storage gives businesses access to their data anywhere, which allows you to stay abreast of any security developments regardless of where you might be.
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Update Systems: By demanding PCI compliance and updating dated POS systems, you are guaranteeing that you have the most up to date data protection available. Many markets are moving towards an EMV standard, in which credit cards are chipped to interact directly with point-of-sale devices. Having software and hardware that is compatible with the coming security trends not only protect you from possible fraud, but helps to guarantee the safety of your customers.
