Online safety is a relevant issue for everyone to keep in mind these days. With hackers, spammers and identity thieves lurking in cyberspace, it’s wise to take basic precautions online. In certain industries, however, it’s absolutely critical to be aware of these threats. Let’s look at 7 types of business where online security is critical.
1. Accounting and Tax Services: This type of business is dealing with confidential data, so it’s especially important to make sure that this information is kept safe. Hackers and identity thieves commonly go after information such as social security numbers, bank data and other financial information. If you are providing any type of financial service on your accounting website, protecting your customers’ data must be a priority.
2. Insurance: This is another industry where personal details are stored. Insurance companies are in possession of crucial data about customers’ cars, homes and other valuable possessions. If the wrong eyes are able to see this information, the results can be catastrophic.
3. Banks and Credit Card Companies: : This one if fairly obvious, but is necessary to mention all the same. There is no more direct way for a cyber criminal to steal from someone that to get his or her banking or credit card data. People who bank online are placing a great deal of trust in the websites and companies that they patronize.
4. E-Commmerce Sites: Any site that sells products online is vulnerable to hackers. This includes anything from a one-page online store to retail giants such as Amazon. Transactions and personal details must be kept secret for customers to be safe.
5. Communications Services: Internet providers, cell phone and other phone companies are another type of industry where consumer data must be carefully protected. With cell phones, for example, hackers can make calls using other people’s numbers if they break into accounts. These type of companies also store the personal information of all their customers, so if this data is stolen it can be used for fraud, identity theft and other nefarious purposes.
6. Technology and Medical Companies: Any company that is dealing with proprietary information must be careful to keep out hackers. Technology and medical companies in particular are targeted by competitors and freelance hackers to steal their secrets. A company that wants to keep its competitive edge must be secure online.
7. Defense Industries: A company that is involved in weapons and defense must protect its information against spies, terrorists, competitors and hackers. This type of information has a high value in the open market. Not only can leaks threaten the company itself, they may endanger national security and the safety of the public.
The fact is, online safety is something that is of concern to anyone who uses the internet. In certain industries, however, it’s of particular importance. Any company dealing with financial data, technology, medical and defense related products are especially attractive to hackers, terrorists, identity thieves and other cyber criminals.
Companies who are involved in such industries must prioritize safety and security. This is the only way they can maintain the trust of their customers. In these and many other industries, breaches of security can be fatal to the business.