For those working online, the internet is now second nature. Quickly, it has become imperative in connecting with customers, conducting business transactions and networking internationally. Therefore, it is understandable that a high concern for many is keeping their data secure from possible cybercriminals and hackers. These criminals are targeting businesses, both small and large, across countless industries.

For many businesses the implications of cybercrime has become a harsh reality. Business owners are reminded to take precautions to ensure both their and their clients data is kept safe. It is imperative that businesses operating online take the necessary measures to keep their client's data secure online, and understand how they may become a target themselves.

Cybercriminals can target your business in a number of ways, therefore it is important to understand what these methods may look like. It might include:

• Through phishing email, which are used to access information such as, usernames and passwords, bank account numbers and credit card details
• Via hacked email accounts, which are used to send false invoices that are likely to look like the real thing, but with an illicit bank account number
• Or through a (...) email invoice which may contain links and/or attachments that will deliver virus software to your device, such as password stealers, ransom-ware or remote access tools (RATs) to take control of your device

Account takeovers are another form of scam for businesses to be aware of. This involves the access of a businesses system and the theft of sensitive client data, following system login details being stolen. Hackers can obtain this information by use of phishing emails, malware or credential stuffing, a practice where login credentials are stolen from one website and tested against another website for access.

While professionals can help ensure your data remains safe and secure online, it is critical for everyone to take their own personal measures to ensure online safety. The following are some simple steps to better your online security, which are easy for anyone to implement:

• Update your anti-virus software regularly. This is a simple and effective way to make sure you're protecting yourself.
• Keep all software up to date including security patches.
• Ensure you use unique passwords for every service you login to, and never share them with anyone. Using different, unique passwords will prevent the comprise of one login becoming the compromising of many. To manage multiple passwords, a password-safe software can be utilised.
• Regularly back up your data and keep these copies seperate from the original source.
• Whenever possible use two-factor or multi-factor authentication (2FA/MFA). Particularly, this is important for your email accounts, since this is typically the means for resetting passwords for other sites.

For any business, security should be a top priority. Everyone needs to take a responsibility in protecting their data, investing both time and resources to strengthen their digital security.