- PPF Points
- 2,888
When I started my first online business, cybersecurity wasn’t the first thing on my mind. I was focused on getting sales, building a website, and marketing my products. But after a close friend had his customer data stolen in a phishing attack, I realized just how serious cyber threats can be. In today’s world, protecting your business from hackers and digital criminals isn’t optional—it’s essential.
One of the first things I did was set up strong, unique passwords for every account connected to my business. It sounds basic, but you'd be surprised how many people reuse the same password everywhere. I also enabled two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever I could. This extra layer of security might feel like a hassle, but it can stop attackers even if they get your password. Just recently, someone tried to log into one of my platforms from an unknown location—thanks to 2FA, they got blocked.
Keeping your software updated is another critical move. Whether it's your website’s plugins, antivirus software, or even your operating system, outdated tools can leave security holes that hackers love to exploit. I make it a habit now to check for updates weekly. A simple update might patch a vulnerability that could have otherwise cost me thousands—or worse, the trust of my customers.
Training your team is just as important as protecting your tech. I once had an employee click on a fake invoice email that nearly led to a malware infection. Now, we run regular training on how to spot phishing emails, scams, and suspicious links. It's a small investment that can prevent major problems. Cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls and tech—it’s also about awareness and good habits.
Always back up your data. I use a cloud service that runs automatic backups daily. That way, if we ever face a ransomware attack or system crash, we won’t lose everything. I sleep easier knowing I have a clean copy of all my important files, ready to restore if needed. Protecting your business from cyber threats might not feel urgent—until it is. And by then, it might be too late. Don’t wait for a scare. Start with the basics, stay consistent, and build your defense one step at a time.
One of the first things I did was set up strong, unique passwords for every account connected to my business. It sounds basic, but you'd be surprised how many people reuse the same password everywhere. I also enabled two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever I could. This extra layer of security might feel like a hassle, but it can stop attackers even if they get your password. Just recently, someone tried to log into one of my platforms from an unknown location—thanks to 2FA, they got blocked.
Keeping your software updated is another critical move. Whether it's your website’s plugins, antivirus software, or even your operating system, outdated tools can leave security holes that hackers love to exploit. I make it a habit now to check for updates weekly. A simple update might patch a vulnerability that could have otherwise cost me thousands—or worse, the trust of my customers.
Training your team is just as important as protecting your tech. I once had an employee click on a fake invoice email that nearly led to a malware infection. Now, we run regular training on how to spot phishing emails, scams, and suspicious links. It's a small investment that can prevent major problems. Cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls and tech—it’s also about awareness and good habits.
Always back up your data. I use a cloud service that runs automatic backups daily. That way, if we ever face a ransomware attack or system crash, we won’t lose everything. I sleep easier knowing I have a clean copy of all my important files, ready to restore if needed. Protecting your business from cyber threats might not feel urgent—until it is. And by then, it might be too late. Don’t wait for a scare. Start with the basics, stay consistent, and build your defense one step at a time.
