One of the most basic things you need to consider when doing business online is that the World Wide Web is an open arena with no established security. Once you have learned to appreciate that the inte ... [Read more]
One of the most basic things you need to consider when doing business online is that the World Wide Web is an open arena with no established security. Once you have learned to appreciate that the internet is not a safe environment, your plans of action and decisions will be based on how to avoid or minimize vulnerabilities with your online tasks. This should especially be the mind set of people who are making money through the internet. Any info or electronic goods exchanged online run through series of network links and computers. This means malicious spies can swoop in any time and intercept and change your information. Although all computer and internet users take this risk whenever they engage in online activities, businesses are the ones which have a lot to lose when privacy threats turn into security issues. The reputation of a business can go down the drain overnight with just one leak of important information. The customer base you have established for years can be stained with distrust when the system you are using backfires because of undetected Trojans or hacked info.
Why Secure Transactions is a Must in Protecting Your Clientele
Most, if not all, of e-commerce conduct business and payment transactions through the use of a credit card or online banking system. Although this is a convenience for your clients, it also leaves a huge security opening wherein hackers can tap into and steal. However, businesses should not only look out for cyber criminals when dealing with their trade in the internet. Rival companies can also spy on your business strategy and sabotage your sales. These competing spies can pass through your network or infiltrate your computer to disrupt the flow of your business. When there are system glitches and website downtime, customers would be discouraged to carry on doing business with you. This would create an impression in their minds that your low quality website is reflective of a substandard service or product.
Small businesses are more prone to security risks but the good news is threats can be kept away by practicing basic defence. For instance, small e-commerce companies should make it a point to integrate their computer security with their basic operations. There should be a set of clear policies regarding security which encompasses both users and system administrators. It should be imperative for users to use strong passwords when accessing the site or using the service. As for system administrators, confidentiality should be stressed strongly by keeping business servers in a locked room. The access to this should be limited to the authorized people only. Splitting up the data files and system docs should also be practiced. Small businesses should also have a strategy should an emergency situation arise. For example, when a virus hits the network, a printed copy of the emergency SOP should be at hand to guide employees on how to respond. Start-up e-commerce companies may not have the money to fund high-tech tools to combat privacy breaches but a well-thought out plan on how to respond to such scenarios can save the company a lot of time and money. Remember that the internet is the bloodline of e-commerce. Your workspace is your computer and like any working area, the best way to ensure its optimum performance is to keep it safe at all times.
