For more than a decade, cyber
criminals have launched countless attacks on banks’ online infrastructure,
successfully one-upping security professionals and their clients by creating
viruses that bypass existing security measures.
In response, computer
security companies have continuously updated their technologies to address new
cyber threats.
However, one major variable
that technology cannot control is the human element. Sure, many of existing
computer security technologies help protect consumers, banks and small
businesses from human errors like accidentally downloading a virus, or social
engineering tricks designed to fool targets into clicking infected links, by
warning users about potentially dangerous webpages and phishing emails. But no
computer security technology or privacy policy can prevent people and employees
from exposing all their lives’ details on social media websites.
When internet criminals
target an organization, they start by looking for vulnerabilities in the
network’s infrastructure. Beyond that, they target a business’s employees and
customers by using information freely provided on the corporate site and collected through
social media.
Once
they have gathered enough information about a target, hackers use that data to
circumvent all the IT security technologies meant to protect users. Below are some
things you can do as a small business owner to reduce your social media
security risks.
Implement IT Security
Policies.
Social
media is a great platform for connecting with existing and potential clients.
However, without some type of policy in place that regulates employee access and guidelines for appropriate
behavior, social media may eventually be completely banned from every corporate
network. Teach effective use by provide training on proper use and especially
what not do too.
Train IT Personnel.
Effective online
security policies begin from the top down. Those responsible for managing
technology need to be fully up to speed with social media security risks.
Maintain Updated IT Security.
Whether hardware or
software, anti-virus or critical IT security patches make sure your business
network is up to date.
Lock Down Online Privacy Settings.
Most social
networks have privacy settings that need to be administered to the highest
level. Default settings generally leave your computer security wide open for
attack.
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