6 Important Small Business Cyber Security Tips
Chances are, you think twice before entering your credit card information online to buy something, watch out for malicious links in emails and keep your PC updated against viruses, spyware and hackers.

However, how much thought do you put into your small business data security and protecting client information?

Hopefully a lot, because according to Microsoft: • An attacker resides within a network for an average of 146 days before detection • The average cost of a data breach to a business is $3.8 million • The total cost of cybercrime to the global community in 2016 was $500 billion • 63 percent of attacks are the result of compromised user passwords and usernames

As these threats continue to become more sophisticated, legislation must too. ]

In Canada, many government departments such as the Department of Justice, RCMP, Public Safety Canada and Global Affairs Canada work together with international, federal and provincial law enforcement agencies against cybercrime. That’s great, but you want to stop any potential attacks before your clients’ data security is breached!

And, if you’re thinking that your site is too small to appeal to hackers, think again. Sometimes a cybercriminal’s intention isn’t to gather sensitive content, but to relay spam emails from your server. Let’s use the example of a membership site for these small business cybersecurity tips.

A membership website has specific resources available for members who generally pay a one-time or recurring fee to get content such as videos, eBooks, articles or tutorials. My AMPLiFY! Business Academy is an example of this type of website. Because people are entering sensitive information such as email addresses, passwords and payment information to access my content, we need to be vigilant about how we keep them safe from online threats. (A secure site is also more likely to earn trust, which in turn can increase revenue.) To help safeguard your clients’ data security, I suggest that you:

1. Choose a reputable web host. Don’t just go for the cheapest! I compiled a list of web hosting providers that I recommend; you can view it here.

2. Install an SSL certificate on your site. This means having HTTPS vs. HTTP in the URL. This is the prefix to your web address, and the SSL provides additional security and makes it harder for hackers to access.

You can often add this service to your web hosting package for free, or for a small cost. An added bonus: a secure site can actually rank higher in Google.

3. As soon as you see a new software update, install it. Many membership sites are built in WordPress, which lets you simply click the ‘Update Now’ button. This helps keep cybercriminals from taking advantage of security flaws in older versions. Similarly, look for plugins to help manage online security. 4. Enforce complex passwords. Request or even demand that users create passwords with a combo of upper and lowercase letters, symbols and numbers. This will deter people from using ‘12345’ as a password. You can also install a plugin on your WordPress site that only gives someone a number of tries to log in to before they’re locked out. 5. Approve comments manually. Spammers love unattended comments! They can post links there that a) may drive traffic back to their site and b) may trick Google (however briefly) into thinking that their site has valuable content.

6. Clean up information that’s no longer relevant. Previous members, people who have cancelled, those who have completed your course… get rid of user info and payment info as often as you can. By following these small business cyber security tips, you can minimize the risk that your website is going to be targeted by scammers or cybercriminals.

Don’t cut corners when it comes to protecting client information, and you can create a safe space for loyal fans who feel comfortable handing over their personal and payment info.

Of course, there are many more components to maintaining a secure website. We’re experts at keeping our clients’ data secure so that they can focus on running an effective business.

Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.
Flatbed equipment
The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a truck.
This is the best way to transport your vehicle.
Wheel lift equipment
The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front tires and lift them off Ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. This is an acceptable way to tow your vehicle.
NOTICE

Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed to support the vehicle’s weight. Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain. It is very dangerous, since ropes or chains may shift from side to side or break. Improper towing such as towing behind a motorhome or other motor vehicle can damage the Transmission. If your vehicle must be towed with the front wheels on the ground:

1. Check the ground underneath the vehicle around where the transmission housing is For a fluid leak. If you find a leak, call a professional towing service and have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.

2. Put cloth on the edge of the cover. Carefully pry with a small flat-tip screwdriver or a metal fingernail file to remove the cover. The detachable towing hook mounts on The anchor in the front bumper.

3. Take the towing hook and the wheel nut wrench out of the luggage area.

4. Screw the towing hook into the hole, and tighten it with the wheel nut wrench Securely.

5. Hook the towing device to the towing hook.

6. Start the engine.

If it is difficult to turn on the engine, put the ignition switch in ACCESSORY or in ON position

7. Manual Transmission models: Shift to Neutral.

8. Continuously Variable Transmission models: Depress the brake pedal.

9. Shift to Drive mode and hold for five seconds, then to Neutral

10. All models: Release the parking brake.

If your vehicle must be towed with the front wheels on the ground:

Continuously Variable Transmission CVT Models only:

If you cannot shift the transmission or turn on the engine, will damage the transmission. Your vehicle must be transported with the front wheels off the ground.

Models with the keyless access system have an ENGINE START/STOP button instead of an ignition switch.

NOTE:

If you cannot turn on the engine, you may experience the following while your vehicle is being towed.

Braking may become difficult since the brake system’s power assist is disabled. Steering wheel becomes heavy as the power steering system is disabled.

Turning the ignition switch to LOCK (0*1 locks the steering wheel.

With the front wheels on the ground, it is best to tow the vehicle no farther than 80 km, and keep the speed below 55 km/h. Going down a long slope heats up the brakes.

This may prevent the brakes from working properly. If your vehicle needs to be towed on an incline, call a professional towing service.

Make sure to use the properly-designed and attached towing equipment. Manual transmission models Turning the ignition switch to LOCK (0*1 locks the steering wheel.

With the front wheels on the ground, it is best to tow the vehicle no farther than 80 km, and keep the speed below 55 km/h. Going down a long slope heats up the brakes.

This may prevent the brakes from working properly. If your vehicle needs to be towed on an incline, call a professional towing service.

Make sure to use the properly-designed and attached towing equipment.