A solid cybersecurity strategy is more important than ever for businesses in Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida businesses. When consumers, clients, or patients give you their personal information, they’re relying on you to keep it safe and secure. But if clients feel that your security isn’t up to par, they’re likely to turn to your competitors instead. So how can the average user tell if your business is trustworthy and secure? Here are five elements they typically look for:

Here are some things that average users can look for to tell if a business has good cybersecurity program in place:

You have two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is basically a second step to the login process, requiring users to enter a code that is sent to their phone or email in addition to their password. This makes it much more difficult for any hacker to gain access to accounts, even if they gain access to the user’s password.

To enable 2FA on a website or app, users will typically need to go to their account settings. Once 2FA is enabled, the user will be asked to enter their email address or phone number, where the website or app will send a unique code. This unique code is to be encoded into the website or app within a predetermined amount of time to permit the login.

Despite its benefits, 2FA is not foolproof. If a hacker gains access to the user’s email address or phone, they may also be able to get the 2FA code. However, 2FA is still a very effective way to protect accounts, and it is highly recommended that users enable it whenever it is available.

Your site begins with https://

Secure sockets layer (SSL) protocols, which create a secure connection between a user’s device and a website, are absolutely essential when it comes to running your own website. It’s also a great way for clients, investors, and other stakeholders to see that their data is protected every time they use your website.

The easiest way to identify a website that uses SSL is to look at the URL. If it begins with “HTTPS://” instead of “HTTP://”, then the website is using SSL. If a website isn’t using SSL, it can be vulnerable to a plethora of online threats that could result in stolen personal information.

You are transparent about bugs and security practices

The company with a good cybersecurity system should have a clear and concise process for reporting bugs, and it should be easy for users to find and use. There should also be transparency about security practices and willingness to share information about how user data is protected. On top of that, there should be openness to feedback from users.

You frequently audit your security

Companies should carry out regular security audits to ensure that their security measures are effective. The results of security audits should be published, even if the details are not made public knowledge. Customers have a right to know that their data is being protected, and they should be aware of any changes that are being made to the company’s security measures.

You strive to comply with regulations

Data security is becoming increasingly important as more and more regulations are being put in place to protect user data. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union is one of the most comprehensive regulations, and adhering to this standard sets your business up for a naturally high level of security. 
Has your company deployed the appropriate cybersecurity system for your industry? If the answer is ‘no’ — or if you’re not sure — then your business will likely benefit from IntouchIT’s comprehensive security solutions for SMBs. Contact us today to get your IT system properly assessed.