They are the face of your business profile. You not only have to invest huge efforts in terms of time and energy in developing it but it also requires more pains in maintaining and marketing it.
In this growing digital era, where things like reaching the right audience, receiving quick feedback and creating interactive communications seems easy, there exists a risk of the online security of your digital assets.
We’re seeing an increase in daily cybercrime incidents not only for the big corporations, but also for celebrities and common individuals alike. And obviously, you cannot take the risk of losing your website or blog to a hacker who may demand a high ransom in return.
It’s essential to be careful and follow safety precautions if you wish to keep your website protected while marketing it online. Here are some basic tips and tricks you need to be safe and avoid getting hacked while promoting your website online.
Keep your devices protected
Your devices have all the data valuable to the business and sensitive to high risk. To keep your data and devices secured, ensure that the following tips are followed.
- Use Antivirus Software
- Set all programs to be run by administrator.
- Keep important files and folders protected by password.
- Update your operating system and other software regularly
- Keep a back up of all your data on reputed cloud service or external hard drive.
- Set Screen locks on your devices with strong password or patterns.
The above tips are not only for your computer but all devices including mobile, tablets and other connected gadgets and wearables.
Encrypt your online activities on public Wi-Fi networks
Running a business or personal website is not a 9-5 job. You have to be connected 24/7 for smooth operation, marketing promotions, and customer satisfaction. For this, you will need to connect with public networks. Here comes the greatest risk of cybercrime activity because public Wi-Fi networks are very vulnerable to data and identity theft. Hackers can easily intercept the internet traffic monitoring your personal and business information. They can easily steal the data harming your business.
Experts say that the best way to stay safe while using a public Wi-Fi is by encrypting your traffic through a Virtual Private Network. Once connected to a VPN, all your internet activities will bypass through a secured tunnel which will make your data private and inaccessible to everyone except you. Some renowned VPN services include PureVPN, Ivacy. PIA etc.
“On balance, the use of encryption, just like the use of good locks on doors, has the net effect of preventing a lot more crime than it might assist.”
– Matt Blaze, Computer Security Expert
Bonus Tip:
A VPN also helps you in becoming a local, virtually. For example, if you are based in the UK but want to market your website to Australian communities and forums, you can connect with an Australian server, which will virtually make you an Australian citizen. This will help you in marketing promotions to Australian communities. You can also unblock geo-restricted websites via this method. For your Convenience, here are some top VPN reviews.
Use authentic plugins
To make your website look interactive and easy-to-manage, different plug-ins, widgets and scripts can be used. These tools not only save your time but can also help in effectively maintaining it. Be aware, though, that many bogus Plugins may contain malware or backdoors for hackers who created or sponsored these plug-ins.
Here are some tips for using plug-ins.
- Always use genuine and authentic plug-ins or tools. Make sure to check reviews and recommendations on top tech sites before installing them.
- Update them regularly to avoid any security or malfunctioning risk.
- Use minimum possible scripts/plug-ins so that they do not affect the visitor experience and page load time.
Protect your email and social accounts
Social accounts are the easiest to hack and generally contain sensitive information, including all of your personal details. Hackers can break through your social accounts and can reach your connected accounts such as email and can steal your contacts or harm your online reputation.
To avoid such situations you must smartly manage multiple email and social accounts.
- Create separate accounts for personal use and business purpose. Don’t link them with each other.
- Keep the 2 or 3 factor authentication activated on all accounts.
- When creating online accounts for marketing purpose, keep different username and password for each account.
- Make use of multiple user features on browsers.
If you’ve been a victim, learn what to do if your email account gets hacked.
Cybersecurity is a growing phenomenon in today’s digital world. It’s not only important for top businesses or government but also for general public and small businesses. By following the above provided basic safety tips to protect your devices, network and online accounts, you can keep your focus on marketing activities.