Modern Business Is Tethered to the Internet. Here Are 4 Ways to Keep Your Customers Cyber Safe.
Running a modern business is all about filling a need by providing products, services, information, and experiences. Whatever the reason for a business to exist, it’s important for its owners to consider the security of online users.
This goes much deeper than making sure you use a reputable website builder. Blogs and business websites take on many forms and can have so many elements that it’s worth establishing a core set of rules and principles to guide every site, no matter its size, shape, or purpose.
Here are a few tips to do just that and ensure that you’re providing your clients with a sense of security with your business.
1. Start With Client Data
It’s hard to overestimate the importance of data in the modern world. Everything from bank accounts to entertainment experiences revolves around information.
Some of this is basic username and password stuff. The kind of data that provides access to a needed product or service. Other data personalizes experiences, such as user preferences. Data is also used to provide payments, conduct marketing, bolster customer service, and so on.
Regardless of its use, data is important — and customers know it. In fact, McKinsey reported in 2020 that it found that consumers don’t trust businesses to handle their data. The research company added that this isn’t just a negative reality. It’s also an opportunity for brands to take deliberate, positive measures to improve their data security as a way to win over clientele.
There are many ways to do this. Take password and username security as a good example. Simply providing a username and password to access sensitive information is a good start — but it isn’t enough anymore.
Security company Okta recommends using Customer Identity and Access Management solutions as a way to centralize and protect customer data. Customer Identity and Access Management solutions centralize customer information into a central databank. Businesses then use this to verify access to multiple company tools while simultaneously streamlining usability (two factors that are often considered opposites in the data world).
Whether it’s a CIAM platform or some other cutting-edge security measure, it behooves every modern business to start its security efforts by safeguarding its customer’s data.
2. Use the Right Tools
CIAM systems may be excellent tools to create overall data security, but your business’s use of safe and secure software shouldn’t stop there. You should also consider the tools that you’re using for your internal activities.
For instance, if you use a website builder, make sure to find one that offers secure tools and a safe end product. One common security element to look for is an SSL certificate. HubSpot explains that these small data files encrypt the information passed between a web server and a browser.
This makes a customer’s time on your website much safer. It also can give more informed web users a sense of security since they can see that your site is SSL certified through the “s” in the “https://” introduction to a URL.
3. Practice Digital Hygiene (And Get Your Customers in on It)
One of the necessities of cybersecurity is the need for you and your team to protect your modern business’s data and activities throughout your daily work. This is something called digital hygiene. If you’re unable to utilize it, it can undermine even the safest and strongest cybersecurity solutions.
SeaGlass Technology describes digital hygiene as a multi-faceted process that includes cleaning up and maintaining digital assets. The tech firm adds several suggestions for ways to do this over time, including:
- Using strong, unique passwords with at least eight characters that combine numbers, letters, and special characters.
- Cleaning up inboxes, desktops, files, and folder trees to keep information well-organized and at a minimum.
- Using tools like antivirus software, firewalls, and pop-up blockers to reduce threats and guard devices and networks from malware.
- Always updating operating systems with the latest software updates and patches to keep them from becoming weak links in your cybersecurity.
Digital hygiene isn’t just for your internal staff, either. Openly encourage website users to create strong passwords and use your tools in a safe manner. This sends the message that you’re on their team and want them to stay safe when using your products and services.
4. Be Communicative About Security
Don’t keep your cybersecurity measures a secret. There’s no reason to hit customers over the head with your security efforts, but it’s something that you should absolutely communicate to both existing and potential clientele.
For instance, if you use a CIAM solution or a tool that is particularly well-known for its security measures, make that a selling point. Include it in your marketing. Put it in your product descriptions. Let your customers know not just that you want them to be safe but how you’re turning that desire into reality.
From protecting data to using the right tools, practicing digital hygiene, and using healthy communication, there are plenty of ways to let your clients know that you’re invested in their online safety. 28% of business takes place online. Even with brick-and-mortar operations, 76% of consumers check businesses online before visiting in person. It doesn’t matter where you operate or what you do. Modern businesses are tethered to the internet. Make sure your customers feel safe every time they interact with you online.