Being a business owner in a world that relies so heavily on technology, means that we are at more risk than ever to cybercrimes and hackers. We highlight some key tips below that you could easily implement within your small business to protect your business assets and client information from theft, viruses or other types of cyber-attacks.
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Treat all correspondence from a supplier wanting to change their bank account details with caution. Further, if you are unsure if bank details are correct, ensure that you contact the person or business using an independently verified phone number from the supplier’s website, or one you have on file, to call a known contact directly.
- Use a password protection program to manage passwords.
- When corresponding by email, type the known email address in the ‘to’ section rather than replying to an email received – scammers often use a very similar email address which may be hard to recognise.
- Utilise the BSB search which can be completed online, to reveal details about a bank account you have been asked to send funds to.
- The words entered in when making a bank transfers have no bearing on the transaction. For example, writing the name of the account holder does not mean the account actually belongs to that person or company.
- Be aware that scammers have been known to hack Chief Executive officers’ and managers’ email accounts, then send email authorisation to junior officers for the transfer of money into an account controlled by the offenders. Always confirm with the sender of the email in cases like this.
- Sending Invoice links instead of PDF. Our clients may have noticed we have recently implemented this, as it reduces the chances of a hacker being able to change the bank details on our invoices.
- Ensure your computer security systems or anti-virus programs are up to date on all computers and ensure all data is regularly backed up.
- Always be wary of any seemingly official correspondence that requests personal or financial information.
- Be careful what you click!
If you have questions or concerns regarding your cyber security, it is best to speak with an IT expert to ensure your financial data is secure.
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