Did you know that in the first half of 2022 alone, there were 817 instances of a data breach in the US? These cases led to over 50 million people being affected as a result.
As a web developer, you have a responsibility to keep risk to a minimum. We have compiled the most useful tips for you to achieve this.
1. Limit Access to The Sensitive Information
Not everyone working on a project with you will need access to all the project data. Keep the number of people who can access sensitive information to a manageable level. By doing this, you can reduce the risk of information being accessed or distributed without authorization.
You can achieve this by:
- encrypting the information.
- using password protection.
- or the 2FA (Two Factor Authentication).
But don’t go to the extreme. Not all information requires the same level of protection. Use common sense and the company’s security protocols to determine what data has to have the highest security level.
2. Keep Your Software Updated
It’s important to have software in place to protect against cyberattacks. However, if the software is outdated, hackers can penetrate it easily. Updates help to patch security flaws and protect your data.
Moreover, if your software gets a virus, it can get passed to other people in your company.
While some software updates itself automatically, this is not always the case. Monitor the latest security patches and install them timely.
3. Use A Virtual Protection Network (VPN)
By using a VPN server, you can access the internet while masking your IP address. If hackers are aware of your IP address, this may enable them to find a way in to your database.
They could take not only the user data but also the data that relates to your site or even the device you’re using. A VPN encrypts your data, making it harder for cybercriminals to track.
4. Be Aware of Threats
Make sure all your staff know what threats they are looking out for. A good way to ensure that is cybersecurity training. Educate yourself and your personnel on the types of threats out there and make it a regular practice to learn about cyber-attacks and how to mitigate them.
An important part of the training is the actual road map of the things to do if your staff member falls victim to a threat. Modern hackers use sophisticated social engineering tactics to lure people into a trap.
If those working on the site are able to spot a hack in progress, they will be able to use the training you’ve given them to enact countermeasures.
5. Test Your Security
Put yourself in the shoes of the hackers. Try to infiltrate your site once all your security measures are in place. If you are able to bypass the security, then it’s possible that the hackers may be able to as well.
If you cannot hack your own site, then ask other trusted individuals to see if they are capable of doing so. The more data you have on the effectiveness of your cyber protection, the better position you are in to make a judgment.
To Sum Up
There are various measures you can take to protect the sensitive data you work with. The main goal here is to not be caught off-guard and to take measures to improve your online safety. In short:
- Don’t allow everyone access to the back end of the site;
- Regularly update your security software;
- Look into using a VPN;
- Improve your and your team’s knowledge of potential threats;
- Self-test the measures you have put in place.
Have a strong cybersecurity plan in place and stay safe!
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