Tips to Be Sure Your Financial Information is Secure

[This article was written by Dawn Castell.]

Running your own business requires you to stay on top of important information and data. This includes sensitive financial information. It is vital to keep this information secure because if it falls into the wrong hands, you could be a victim of fraud or other serious crimes that can affect the company’s financial future. Keep your business’s financial information secure with the following helpful tips and information.

Use Multiple Passwords

Contrary to popular belief, using one password for every account is not a good idea. Although it can be very convenient, it also leaves you vulnerable to becoming a victim of hackers who can acquire your password and log into important sites.

The best way to prevent this from happening is to have a different password for every site. By using a different password, you will prevent anyone who gains access to a single password from logging into any other accounts. If you find remembering so many passwords to much to handle, you can always use a password manager that stores your information either via the cloud or locally.

Beware Of Phishing Scams

Phishing scams, or deceptive emails and advertisements are common and are an issue for all businesses. These scams look official or like a secure message from a trusted account provider. They may ask for login information or ask you to click a link which takes you to a page that steals your password. The thieves can then access your account with your email and password information.

Never click a link that looks suspicious or isn’t from a secured page. Look for the lock at the top of the page when accessing a financial account. If you receive a suspicious email you can contact the company to see if they have, in fact, tried to contact you. This way you will know for sure whether or not it is a scam. Inform your employees about ways to detect a possible phishing scam to ensure a more secure workplace.

Always be wary of personal messages from people you don’t know claiming they can help you earn money or that they want to send you money in exchange for assistance. Make an effort to stay informed about the latest phishing scams and install reliable antivirus protection that actively scans all incoming emails. If an employee does click a phishing link, it is critical to immediately change your passwords and notify the company that may be affected.

Enforce Workplace Security And Procedures

One of the most basic and effective ways to ensure the safety of your business’s financial information is to take measures within the workplace itself. For example, allowing access to sensitive information should be limited to certain individuals who have jobs that require they have that type of information. They should have their own codes and passwords that are logged when used. Some companies also require physical documentation such as signatures or initials and time stamps.

Another excellent method to keep track of activity within the workplace is security cameras. They also serve as a deterrent to would-be criminals. In addition, ensure that everyone who works in the office has their own passwords and doesn’t share it with anyone. Employees should also be required to provide a strong password using a combination of numbers, letters, and characters.

Keeping financial information is a top priority for businesses all over the world. There are many measures you can take to ensure you are protected. These tips are some basic strategies that other companies and security professionals use regularly and should be incorporated as part of your daily efforts to prevent losses. Don’t risk losses as a result of gaps in your security strategy.