These days everything is data and likely is stored on some electronic device with a connection to the internet. One alarming statistic states that 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses so you need to be ultra-safe when it comes to protecting your healing practice. The main areas where you are vulnerable are: your computer, your passwords, and your website. Let’s cover some best practices to keep those items secure.
Your Computer
- Use up-to-date anti-virus software. Using a program like McAfee, Norton or Avast can help you scan for potential security threats when it comes to email, software and more.
- Be sure you are using a modern operating system. Older computers tend to operate on older operating systems and therefore are more vulnerable to security breaches. Operating systems that are coming out now are more security conscious than ever and therefore more protective.
- Ensure that your home wi-fi network is password protected. While it might be easy to set up a network that doesn’t require a password and you may think that a password isn’t necessary, especially if you’re the only one using it, you definitely need to protect it with a password. Your wi-fi can be accessed outside of your home within a certain radius so don’t make it easy by having a fully open network.
Your Passwords
- Create passwords that are difficult to guess. Creating a strong password is one of the best ways you can protect your data across various accounts. Try using a combination of capital letters, lowercase letters, numbers and punctuation marks with at least 8 characters.
- Don’t use the same password for everything. Tempting as it might be to have a master password that works for almost everything, it’s important that you don’t do that. When you use the same password (or even a variation – like just adding an exclamation point), that means that once someone guesses your password, then they can get access to everything.
- Don’t share your passwords over email. If you have an assistant or someone that helps you work on your website, try using a program like LastPass or KeePass Password Safe. These allow you to store and autofill your passwords on your own computer, but you can also share access with someone else without actually giving them the password
Your Website
- Make sure everyone has their own access. Each user of your website should have their own access password rather than having one main access that everyone uses.
- Secure your website with a security certificate. If your website is still an http:// rather than an https:// then you need to get it secured ASAP! Security certificates are especially critical if you are collecting client data (personal information, credit card, etc.).
- Make sure all plugins and add-ons are up to date. Just like an out-of-date operating system, out-of-date plugins make your website vulnerable. Make sure you put on your calendar to check them (or have your web admin check them) monthly to make sure they are current.
These 9 tips are the basics for keeping your computer, passwords and website safe from potential cyberattacks. In addition, you may also want to consider using a firewall, making regular backups of your data on a secure drive, and even changing passwords frequently. Doing all of these actions can ensure that you are doing what it takes to make yourself less vulnerable.
