How you can keep financial information secure for your business

Business security is a top concern for most corporations, whether they’re large multinationals or one-man contractors, and everyone is always trying to find new ways to keep their financial information secure from hackers and fraudsters. If you’re worried about keeping your details safe, then here are three things you need to do to make sure you’re one step ahead.

Keep paper checks secure

Check fraud costs businesses billions of dollars every year, but you can protect yourself by ensuring your checks are secure. Make sure you get your business checks printed by a reputable supplier, that it includes copy protection such as micro-printed side borders, artificial watermarks, warning bands, stock control numbers, and reorder numbers which can’t be printed on a regular deskjet or laser printer.

Make sure that you’re looking at your accounts regularly, too. An unauthorized check transaction averaged $1,272 according to the latest Federal Reserve report on the topic, compared to just $104 for fraudulent debit card transactions. If you have been a victim of check fraud, then you only have 30 days from the receipt of your bank statement to report it, or you will no longer be liable for any compensation; therefore, stay up to date with your finances.

Keep your security software up to date

Manufacturers often upgrade the security software on their operating systems. Make sure all the computers in your business are signed up for automatic updates that install the latest patches, and that you’ve granted at least one account on the computer administration privileges to approve of software updates.

Keep your security software up to date

If you still feel ill at ease, then look into anti-virus software that specializes in your field of businesses, whether it’s financial, marketing, information technology, or anything else, as they may have special safeguards for accounting, design, or other software that is unique to your industry.

Make sure that you’re also using software that will block spam and detect spyware on your computer, as programmes may be installed remotely by someone who has used a downloaded file, often called a worm, to get into your operating system to gain sensitive financial information. Again, it’s best to go with something that will automatically update your system so you can stay on top of the latest viruses or malware infecting computers around the world, and make sure you’ve allowed at least one account to update software. Otherwise, your security programmes will quickly be out of date.

Keeping up with the latest necessary security safeguards can be a headache, particularly if you’re not savvy with computers or software. However, it’s worth the investment of quality checks that can’t be replicated by at-home technology and keeping your operation system and security software up to date if you want to keep your private, sensitive financial data safe. Look out for your finances and keep your information safe, so you’re not an easy target for hackers or fraudsters out to make a quick buck from an unsuspecting business.