As a small business owner, keeping your company and client information safe is vital. Unfortunately, with constant access to your business internet network, it’s easy for someone within the company to fall victim to malicious activity. Here are some smart internet safety practices for you and your employees to follow.

How to Stay Safe Online

1. Make Passwords Secure

It’s tempting to use the same easy passwords for everything. However, this is one of the most dangerous things you can do when it comes to internet security. Passwords should never include personal information such as a child’s name, pet’s name, or date of birth, as this information is often easy for hackers to figure out.

Your best bet is using a randomly generated password that includes letters, numbers, and symbols. You also need to create a different password every time you create a new account. Since it can be difficult to keep various complex passwords in your memory, write them down and keep the hard copy in a secure place.

2. Be Wary of Links & Downloads

If you receive an email from an unknown source and it contains a link, don’t click it. Links and downloads are the most common way hackers get spyware onto your computer.

In general, be wary of all emails that come from an unknown source, have blatant spelling and grammar mistakes, or sound fishy or too good to be true.

3. Update All Programs When Necessary

Keep all computer software at its most current version. When a program has an update, run it. That update may include an important security feature. 

4. Make Sure Your Wi-Fi Is Secure

Unless a part of your business model is to provide free Wi-Fi, it should be for your business internet only and not for the public to use. Make sure the network is encrypted and password-protected. 

5. Keep Data Backed Up

Even if you follow all of the best safety practices, it’s still possible for your computer to get hacked. Make sure that you and every single employee are regularly backing up important data following an established protocol.

If you’re looking for the best in business internet, contact the team at Horizon in Chillicothe, OH. They offer fast and reliable high-speed internet with a secure connection, and their dedicated support team can quickly handle any issues you have. Visit their website to learn more about their internet packages or contact them at (740) 772-8200 to set up a consultation.