Why Do You Need Thorough Cybersecurity Solutions When Shopping Online?
Online shopping was already booming before the COVID-19 pandemic, and now that U.S. e-commerce sales jumped more than 30 percent last year as millions of people stayed home, cybersecurity has become even more important. While there is much discussion about cybersecurity for individuals shopping on their personal devices, it’s also essential that businesses consider cyber-safe habits when completing online transactions. Here are the key reasons why your business needs to ensure safe online shopping and activity in today’s digital age.
Threats Are Everywhere
Unfortunately, the need for cybersecurity is very real due to the numerous hackers and cyberattacks around the world every day. With up to 4,000 cyberattack complaints made to the FBI Cyber Division daily, threats come from every corner of the globe, and hackers are only getting more sophisticated and more brazen. Approximately 9 out of 10 American households have at least one computer, and hackers are eager to take advantage of all online shoppers and users, including those fulfilling transactions on behalf of their business. Whether it’s paying business bills online or ordering new office supplies for your organization, chances are a company credit card is being used for online transactions. With the prominence of cyber threats, you can never be too safe in protecting your business, both for normal purchases and one-off orders.
Payment Information May Be Vulnerable
Depending on the size of your business, you may have multiple credit cards that staff uses across different departments. Keeping track of this activity is vital to stay organized and on top of your company’s online activity. However, without the proper cybersecurity systems in place, such as network security systems, firewalls, and multi-factor authentication, your business may be exposed. This is especially true when purchasing from a third-party site. Even if it’s a supplier you use all the time, you don’t know what their network security is like, and if they were to suffer a cyberattack, your payment details and business information could end up in the wrong hands. That’s why every company can benefit from an extra layer of security while conducting business online.
Stolen Data Slows Your Business Down
Finally, it’s important to put cybersecurity first to protect your business from time-consuming data breaches that can have serious implications for your team and your clients. If your data is compromised as the result of online transactions, you could spend hours, if not days or weeks, working to secure your information and changing all of your financial accounts and private business information. If you have a small finance team, they may inadvertently miss something until suspicious charges or activity show up in your business accounts and it’s too late. Instead of being reactive to cyber threats, your company can be proactive and stay ahead by arranging a cybersecurity assessment. In addition to safe online browsing and shopping practices, a leading IT services company can help you bolster your business cybersecurity and ensure strong network security.
