Cybercrime is rampant, and it is big business for black hat hackers. These cybercriminals can gain access to your computer and network to perform various malicious acts. The hackers may steal your clients’ data, destroy stored files, steal personal information, credit card numbers, or passwords. Some may hold your computer system hostage till you pay some ransom fee. Scary! But you need not worry! How can you create a robust security system that can keep your online business secure?

Read on to learn about the four vital resources that you can rely on to secure your business.

1. Install Some Firewall and Update All Software

A robust firewall security system creates the first defense line for your computer network. A firewall can deter hackers who try to access your online business network or payment terminals. The firewall keeps out malware and detects any unusual computer network activities such as the sudden extraction or input of data into or out of your network. The security system detects and stops such processes if there is no authorization from your personnel.

It’s also prudent to change your software whenever new updates come up in the market. Hackers often use vulnerabilities in present software to install malware and corrupt your computer system. For instance, the widespread ransomware malware had variants that had increased to 46% by 2017. These revelations imply that hackers constantly update their malware to get vulnerabilities that they can use to hack into your computer system. It’s for this reason that it’s advisable to keep your software updated.

2. Maintain a Separate Network for Payment Terminal Transaction Processing

Separating the general online store network from the payment processing network minimizes the chances of a cyber-attack disabling your system or causing information theft. More often than not, hackers access your online store’s network through your staff by means such as emails embedded with some malware. But, separating your Electronic Merchant Systems and sensitizing your employees on how to exercise due diligence when accessing emails may save your online business from possible cyber-attacks.

3. Use the Latest Security Tools and Change Your Passwords

Your security shouldn’t only rely on the firewall. You’ll need to get new anti-malware and antivirus products. These tools detect computer viruses and malware, and they can clean up your computer system by getting rid of them. You should ensure that such products have advanced web protection features, including malware clean-up and website penetration testing. These tools protect your computer system from malware while also ensuring your software use is secure and efficient.

In the world of working online – and also working from home – it’s important to have a way to sign documents electronically. That comes with its own security issues, however, and investing in a single sign-on solution will provide you the peace of mind to do business properly. SSO integration for an e signature platform like Hello Sign is easy to get, as well.

Also, it’s advisable to change your passwords at least once every 2 to 3 months. You should change the default passwords and usernames and create more powerful passwords. Don’t use business names, year of birth, brand names, or any other easy-to-guess information. Instead, use a password with a mix of characters and digits. It is imperative to ensure that all employees who leave your workplace should also have some handing over protocol. The process should include a change of passwords that will deny them further access to your business’ information that they can sell to marketers or hackers.

4. Select a Secure Website Hosting Service Provider for Your Online Business

It is good to ensure that your website or online sales portal gets hosted by a website hosting company that complies with PCI requirements. If the provided hosting services are well-secured, you can ensure that your checkout and payment processes get secured from hackers.

The highlighted tools are effective in improving your online store security. But it would help if you remembered to teach your staff about best e-mail practices, secure handling and creation of passwords, and the securing of hardware and software from access by unauthorized people to bolster your security.