As the world becomes more technologically advanced, threats such as data breaches become more prevalent. Hackers develop more skills to access your data in just seconds.
Data corruption or stolen information can cause irreparable damage and become a financial burden. In fact, statistics show that the average cost of a data breach in 2020 is $3.86 million. Data breaches may result in business losses, employee data privacy violations, and costly lawsuits and repair expenses.
Most small businesses like salons don’t always know how to prevent a data breach or know what to do should one occur. With that said, if you’re here to take your salon’s cybersecurity seriously, you may implement these proven strategies to help keep your data safe.
1. Hire An Expert
Managing your salon is already time-consuming. Plus, cybersecurity and data breaches may not be your forte.
That said, you may want to consider hiring a security expert to run your salon’s IT security or simply consult with them to learn about the best security practices to help avoid any data breach within your salon.
When looking for an IT expert to handle your salon’s security, make sure to look for one with years of experience and who has developed skills throughout their career. Additionally, it’s best to search for IT providers with authentic certifications or look for companies with great reviews from their previous clients.
2. Educate Your Team
Employees are considered the weakest link in the data security chain of most small businesses. They are prone to opening suspicious emails or clicking on links containing viruses that can enter your salon’s computer network system and wreak havoc.
This is why your salon employees must be fully trained in basic IT security etiquette. They should be trained on how to protect client information, as well as password protocols and internet guidelines.
You may need to create a data security guideline for your employees. Also, regularly remind and discuss security practices during staff meetings.
3. Install Security Software
Secure your salon’s computer system by installing security software that manages your computer system functions and activities when in use.
Antivirus software, anti-spyware, and firewalls are important tools to defend your salon business against data breaches.
While there are several free antivirus software available, store-bought software may offer better all-around protection.
4. Regularly Check For Updates
You’ve probably encountered those pop-up windows telling you that a software update is available on your business computer. And while most people simply click on the “Remind me later” button, you should just allow the few minutes it takes to download and install the update right away.
Software updates are critical to your business’s cybersecurity and digital safety. And the sooner you update, the more protected your business’s computer system is.
Moreover, software updates can add new features to your device and include security patches for your computer’s security holes, vulnerabilities, and bugs that most hackers take advantage of.
5. Create a Strong Password Policy
Most people don’t think about password safety, using weak or the same password for all of their accounts on different devices. However, educating your salon staff to use strong and secure passwords can help protect your salon’s data and prevent data breaches.
So, urge them to use unique and long-string passwords. At least every three months, require your staff to change their passwords.
In addition, you can consider using a reliable password manager that can randomly generate passwords for you and store them securely. This way, your staff don’t have to struggle in remembering their passwords, ensuring that your salon’s data can stay uncompromised and secure.
6. Manage Your Computer And Wi-Fi Use
Keep your business computers locked when unattended. It helps prevent prying eyes from seeing client or business data.
Also, make sure to create a separate user account for employees. Administer privileges to a trusted IT staff or salon manager.
Other than your computer, you also need to secure your salon’s Wi-Fi. Offering Wi-Fi to clients as they wait can help prevent boredom and ensure satisfaction. However, you shouldn’t allow them to use the same network you use for your computers. Keep your team’s Wi-Fi secure, hidden and encrypted. Also, make sure to protect access to your private router by using a strong password.
7. Always Have A Backup
Whether it’s a simple hardware failure, a virus infection, or a data breach, having data backup can help reduce the impact of data loss.
Experts recommend backing up word processing documents, databases, electronic spreadsheets, financial files, accounts receivable and payable files, HR files, and even customer data files.
You can back up your business data on a portable hard drive or store it in the cloud. This way, if a data breach or emergency occurs, you can recover any lost data from your computer devices.
Conclusion
Remember, without proper data security practices, you would be putting your business and client data at risk. So, make sure to implement these seven cybersecurity measures in your salon so you can enjoy much greater peace of mind.
