Writer – Michelle Lagos CEO
“One of the greatest freedoms of working on my computer is the fact that I can do it from anywhere.” Wrong
In this day and age it’s important to understand that you shouldn’t EVER signon to your website or hosting account from any public networks. ie., do NOT use the wifi at a library or on a plane or in a mall, etc. The security is lacking in those connections. Hackers lurk hard there. DON’T. The encryption standard that secures all modern WiFi networks, launched the possibility that anyone near you could easily access your information.
One of the biggest threats with free WiFi is the ability for hackers to position themselves between you and the connection point. So, instead of talking directly with the hotspot, you end up sending your information to the hacker. The hacker also has access to every piece of information you send out—emails, phone numbers, credit card information, business data, the list goes on. And once a hacker has that information, you’ve basically given them the keys to your world. The damage control will be mighty and could take a very costly long time.
Okay, it happened. I was doing that. What am I going to do now???
Answer: Don’t get convenient
- Frequently change passwords to each users WP account (each user should do this themselves, and regularly).
- Frequently change your hosting company password.
- Make sure you a have a higher level hosting account that is tracking your website activity and if you get hacked, they’re taking care of the cleanup free of charge.
- We already covered this but let’s talk about it again. Make sure that no users EVER login to the account or the website from any public networks. ie., do not use the wifi at a library or on a plane or in a mall, etc.
- Get your website onto a managed update plan with your developer. It’s recommended that all plugins are updated regularly, and the systems adjusted accordingly, as hackers, especially when it’s a website with a payment or client database system in it, specifically target them. Unfortunately, hackers can track when major updates haven’t occurred, and try to hack it, because the system then becomes more vulnerable. Careful. No you don’t air a new website and ignore it. You need to account for its long-term plan too.
- Have frequent malware scans performed.
- If you have a WordPress website, make sure you have a high performing security plugin protecting it all around the clock, with a record of all activity occurring.
Yes, according to Forbes, “Cyber Crime Costs Projected To Reach $2 Trillion by 2019” so let’s not pretend it’s not happening, let’s just take the right steps NOW. The Get Lagos Now Team is here to assist you. Contact us anytime.
