If you’re running a small business in the age of the internet, you’re probably doing some or all of your work online. Maintaining a website is important for staying ahead of the competition and serving as many customers as possible, but it always comes with a degree of risk.

Small businesses keep a lower profile and gather less data than large corporations, but this doesn’t prevent them from being victims of cyberattacks. One report found that from November 2017 through October 2018, 43 percent of data breaches targeted small business owners.

Cyberattacks on your site can come in different forms, including malware, phishing, and man-in-the-middle attacks. These breaches in your business’s online security can cause all kinds of mayhem. You could lose customers if they don’t feel safe using your website, or lose money replacing devices damaged by malware.

There are several important methods to maximize online security so that you can get the most out of the internet without endangering your or your customers’ data.

Make Online Payments Impenetrable

Making sales online is one of the best ways for your small business to take advantage of the wonders of the internet. However, it’s crucial to make sure people can buy your product or service online without the risk of anyone’s financial information being stolen.

For a secure online payment system, keep all your devices and cybersecurity programs up to date. Outdated applications are more likely to have flaws or openings that are susceptible to malware attacks. Sometimes, completely updated programs are still vulnerable to breaches. Take additional precautions like ensuring that you only collect the data you need from shoppers, and get rid of all of it after the transaction is complete. Depending on what type of online payment system you use, there are different ways to enact these and other security measures.

Activate a Firewall

The first known use of the word “firewall” was in the 1983 movie “WarGames,” which predicted that internet users would one day need robust fortifications to prevent online attacks.

Your business may not be the subject of a 1980s sci-fi movie, but its website should definitely have a firewall. These devices, which can come as hardware or software, prevent outsiders from infiltrating your private network online. Without a firewall, malware could compromise your network and steal information or damage your devices. Some operating systems have firewalls built into them. There are also third-party services that sell firewall packages.

Hire Professionals to Bring in the Big Guns

The steps needed to make your website as safe as possible may seem daunting or unmanageable given the other responsibilities of running a small business. Thankfully, you can access cybersecurity resources to do some of the heavy lifting for you. Many companies offer comprehensive security programs that you can buy and install on your network of devices. Another option is to hire a freelance WordPress expert to help prevent cyberattacks and protect your site and your clientele. To decide who to hire, look into reviews and ask about estimated prices and completion times from the professional in question.

You should also contact the professionals at Lumina for assistance with everything from designing your website to beefing up security.

Online hackers and malicious software are creative and quick to evolve, so your website security should be too. By enacting thoughtful and thorough security measures, you can reduce the risk of attacks and keep your customers safe and happy.

Lumina offers one of the most unique web design and development teams in New York City. Call (212) 444-2658 or email [email protected] for more information.