Your computer
This is basic, but it turns out that some people haven't done this yet. Install an antivirus program. This is especially important for Windows computers, but it's certainly not a bad idea for Apple computers either.
Check out the free anti-virus program "Avast!" for Windows & Mac –>
Also make sure that other software and your operating system are fully up to date. This will ensure that the security of this software remains up to date and that there are no 'leaks' in your computer that hackers can exploit. (A secure computer is actually the basis of the security tips for freelancers and SMEs, so make sure this is properly taken care of before you continue with the other tips).
Secure email (SSL)
Not yet a matter of course for all email users. But make sure your email is secured with an SSL connection. This encrypts messages and prevents them from being read by hackers who want to break into your company.
You can usually see whether the SSL connection is enabled in your email settings. Please note that not every provider supports SSL by default. Contact your provider for more information about whether your email is SSL-secured.
JKC Media customers have standard SSL-secured email. Are you a JKC Media customer? Then you don't need to do anything else here.
In addition, it is important to carefully check any attachments you receive in your email. You should be particularly cautious with titles such as "claim your free $100,000 now" or "you have won the $10 million dollar lottery," etc.
In addition, you should also be careful when opening .zip attachments and Word documents. Word documents can also contain viruses these days.
In short: Secure your email with an SSL connection, be cautious with suspicious emails, and be careful when opening (suspicious) attachments.
Secure website
Your website must also be well secured, of course. Chances are you have a contact form on your website, for example, where users can send you information. That is why this must also be well secured.
Fortunately, securing your website with an SSL certificate in 2018 is not that difficult. With the "Let's Encrypt" project, it can even be done completely free of charge.
Check out the instructions on the Let’s Encrypt website on how to install a free SSL certificate on your website –>
Are you already a JKC Media customer? Then this has already been done for you as standard and you don't need to worry about it anymore.
It is also important to properly secure your CMS (e.g.,WordPress,Drupal, etc.). For example, install a security plugin and be careful with your website dashboard login details.
For WordPress, we recommend the WP Cerber plugin, which can be downloaded and installed for free via your dashboard –>
In addition, it is also important to check other plugins you have installed: are they up to date (so they cannot cause leaks) and are they reliable (good reviews, many installations, and many updates)? If this is not the case, you should ask yourself whether it is worth using this specific plugin or whether there might be another alternative that does meet these requirements.
In short: Install an SSL certificate on your website and, if you use a CMS, handle your login details with care, do not install poor-quality or outdated plugins, and install a security plugin.
Software on your computer
Ensure that all software on your computer has been obtained through official channels and that you do not download illegal content onto your computer. Even though it may seem harmless to watch a movie via Popcorn Time instead of Netflix, for example, it can be just as "harmless" to download spyware and malware.
So even though it costs a little money, make sure that the software you use (especially for your business) is all officially obtained and fully up to date.
In short: Only download official software from the author(s).
two-factor authentication
2FA, also known as two-factor authentication.
Most online cloud services (where you most likely store customer and client data) offer 2FA. So, for example, if you want to log in to your account, you have to enter a code from your phone (which changes every few seconds/minutes). This provides much better protection against hackers who may have cracked your password but cannot proceed because they need a temporary code.
In short: Try to enable 2FA on as many services as possible.
Conclusion: security tips for freelancers and SMEs
For most entrepreneurs, there are certainly still things to be done to improve the security of personal data and other information.
Do you have any additional security tips for freelancers and SMEs? Let us know in the comments!