Don’t give your customers any reason to feel insecure when dealing with your business. When they visit and use your website, you must engender feelings of trust and security instead of alarm and distrust. Don’t worry — you can easily do this with these three tips. HTTPS, MFA, and updates.
Tip 1: Use HTTPS
Short for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, HTTPS indicates that a website has an extra layer of security for its users. This layer encrypts data exchanged between a user’s browser and the web server that delivers the data. To use a simpler comparison, imagine someone tapping your landline, but hearing people speaking in tongues instead.
In August 2014, Google Chrome announced that having HTTPS makes your website rank higher in SEO. Since October 2017, the browser began flagging non-HTTPS websites as not secure. In July 2018, Chrome started showing a “not secure” warning on any website that does not implement HTTPS.
Because of Google’s measures, the security protocol has been widely in use. Even if your website doesn't ask for sensitive information, implementing HTTPS engenders a sense of security.
Tip 2: Embrace multifactor authentication (MFA)
Additional identity authentication steps must be in the implementation.
These steps can involve the use of the account holder’s device:
- The one logging in must first verify their phone number
- Receive a one-time password on their smartphone
- Then enter that code in the access portal before the code’s validity lapses
- Alternatively, MFA may ask for a face, retina, voice, or fingerprint scan for authentication.
A little inconvenience is a small price to pay for immensely effective cybersecurity.
Tip 3: Update browsers and devices
Outdated versions of browsers and operating systems create an easy entry point for hackers. Often, new updates specifically fix security holes. However, people tend to procrastinate and leave applying updates for another day. Hackers take advantage by searching for outdated devices to infiltrate.
Ultimately, this time investment prevents a security breach that could cost you or your business thousands.
Looking for more tips to boost your internet security? Get in touch to find out how we can help.