Print   RSS

Is Security Your Top Priority?

Adam Groff

March 18, 2014

In a digital world plagued by cybercrime and crippling viruses, taking every precaution necessary to protect your company's data and your customers' information is a must.

But, not all security software is designed the same, so it's important to choose the best security program for your business needs.

Here are a few reasons why online security is so important as well as ways to better protect your business's online livelihood.

Types of Security Threats

Sufficient security software is your first line of defense when it comes to protecting your business's identity and the identities of your customers.

With that said, it's important to know the kinds of threats that are lurking in cyberspace as well as how each security threat can affect the digital side of your business.

Among them:

• General Computer Viruses - Computer viruses come in many forms, oftentimes through emails or embedded as code into webpages. Once a virus makes its way into your system, it can overwrite files, which makes it possible for cyber criminals to gain access to stored data like company records and customer billing information.

• Trojan Horse - The Trojan Horse virus is particularly hard to identify because it disguises itself as other harmless computer programs. Once unleashed, this virus allows cyber criminals to take complete control of the system without regular users noticing. This makes information stealing and spying a major issue.

• Spyware - Most spyware programs find their way into your computer system because they are accidently granted access by unsuspecting users usually in the form of software updates. The sole purpose of spyware is to spy on users and record login information, passwords, and other user information.

Mobile Security

The online threats above are generally related to computer use, but with the proliferation of all-things mobile, smartphone and tablet security is a growing concern.

This is especially the case with mobile payments, which is exactly why Designing an IOS Payments SDK for Security purposes is a top priority when it comes to vendors accepting mobile payments and using mobile card readers.

Unique threats specifically aimed at mobile users are on the increase because personal use and company based smartphones hold various forms of data from the user's identification to financial information.

Software development kits for IOS and other operating systems are just the beginning when it comes to mobile protection.

Choosing the Right Security Software for Your Business

There is a lot that comes into play when choosing the right security software for your business. Factors such as ease of use, brand reputation, level of protection, and cost are all part of the decision making process.

With this in mind, here are the most popular security software types on the market:

• Anti-Virus - Anti-virus software and suites protect against a wide range of sophisticated viruses like spyware and Trojan viruses. Because an anti-virus suite in particular is so comprehensive, it's also the priciest security option.

• Browser Security Software - If you have a number of employees with Internet access, then browser security software is a wise precaution to take. Browser software basically protects users from viruses while online.

• Firewalls - Installing a firewall in your business's network is like padlocking your front door because it's the first thing cyber criminals come in contact with when trying to enter your system. Installing and regularly updating a firewall is highly recommended for any business.

By keeping in mind the security measures above, you can rest assured that your online information and that of your customers is safe and secure.

 Feedback   Submit Article