A first look at a digital footprint and protection against cyber-attacks - When we look around the world we live in, so much has changed from the times we were born into and the times we live in now. Technology has changed the way we live, the way we do business, and the way we learn. It has become an integral part of our daily routine, whether at home or in the workplace.
The importance of technology in business cannot be understated. Today technology has opened an array of new opportunities for small businesses, with a wide range of new tools and applications available. The role of technology will continue to expand, forcing all to become more digitally savvy and relevant.
I have the wonderful opportunity to train start-up business groups on digital literacy as part of my job function for The Hope Factory (NPC). In the digital workshops, we focus on business and technology, a business virtual footprint, business communication tools, licensing (subscriptions) and online security.
A virtual footprint
A business’s virtual footprint focuses on an online identity where the participants will look at the risks and benefits of assuming different personas online. This means thinking critically about what it means to be ‘genuine’ in the online environment. Small businesses need to be aware that the identity of the individual (entrepreneur/owner) affects their business digital footprint, as well as the digital trail that your business leaves behind on social media and the worldwide web.
With the use of technology, small businesses can connect with their customers via email, through blogs, social networks, and forums.
Here are a few tips on how to build an effective digital footprint for your start-up small business:
- Create a strategy and devise a plan on what the ideal digital business impression of you is, that is in line with your market.
- Choose the type of content channels and online social networks that match your strategy.
- Do a digital footprint audit check what shows up when searching your business name: for example Google search results.
- Follow others – have a look for / search those who have walked a similar path you are walking and who are successful.
- Add your voice − share your ideas and thoughts through online communities and forums.
- Stay active and stay aware of the risk of the online environment: be sure to take note of privacy applications to protect your pages/profiles.
Cybersecurity
The most common cyber-attack that small businesses or even individuals are facing is that of phishing. Phishing attacks can take many forms, but they all share a common goal: getting you to share sensitive information such as login details, credit card information or even bank account details. The information often is used in subsequent identity and financial theft.
Small-business owners must be aware of the following spaces and places where phishing can take place:
- E-mails
- Websites
- Facebook status updates
- Tweets
The good news is that many phishing attacks can be prevented by educating yourself as well as your employees about protection so you do not fall prey to impostors.
Here are some other simple tips, apart from education, that can assist in bulking up your security:
- Implement antivirus software on all your technology devices.
- Use a spam filter to filter out any suspicious emails.
- Keep all security patches current – keep all your software up to date by shutting down and logging off your system daily to allow running of any updates.
- Deploy the use of a two-factor and multifactor authentication for all your log-in systems.
Technology can be one of the greatest assets to achieve new growth, new opportunities, and a way of doing life and business. However, it can also be the biggest risk if one is not aware and careful. Unfortunately, cyber-attacks are on the increase, so be vigilant. Let us embrace the new technology along with the awareness of how to use it most safely and effectively.
Author
Khanyisa Tengisile,IT Manager at SAICA Enterprise Development and The Hope Factory
