Your computer
It’s really just the basics, but it turns out that some people still haven’t done this. 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 antivirus program "Avast!" for Windows & Mac –>
Also make sure that your other software and operating system are fully up to date. This will ensure that the security of this software remains up to date and that no "vulnerabilities" are left in your computer that hackers could exploit. (A secure computer is actually the foundation of security tips for freelancers and small businesses, so make sure this is properly taken care of before moving on to the other tips.)
Secure email (SSL)
This isn’t yet standard practice for all email users. But make sure your email is secured with an SSL connection. This encrypts your messages, preventing hackers from easily intercepting them if they try to breach your company’s systems.
You can usually check your email settings to see if the SSL connection is enabled. Note that not all providers support SSL by default; check with your provider for more information on whether your email is SSL-secured.
JKC Media customers have SSL-secured email by default. Are you a JKC Media customer? If so, you don't need to do anything else.
It’s also important to carefully examine any attachments you receive in your email. You should be especially cautious with subject lines like “Claim your free $100,000 now” or “You’ve won the $10 million lottery,” etc.
You should also be careful when opening .zip files and Word documents, as even Word documents can 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
Of course, your website must also be properly secured. Chances are, for example, that you have a contact form on your website that allows users to send you information. That’s why this must also be properly secured.
Fortunately, securing your website with an SSL certificate isn’t all that difficult in 2018. With the “Let’s Encrypt” project, you can even do it 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? If so, this has already been taken care of for you, and you don’t need to worry about it anymore.
It’s also important to ensure that your CMS (for example
WordPress,
Drupal etc.) properly. For example, install a security plugin and be careful with your website dashboard login credentials.
For WordPress, we recommend the "WP Cerber" plugin, which you can download and install for free via your dashboard –>
It’s also important to check the other plugins you’ve installed: are they up to date (so they don’t cause security vulnerabilities) and are they reliable (good reviews, many installations, and frequent updates)? If not, you should ask yourself whether it’s worth using that specific plugin or if 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 credentials with care, avoid installing poor-quality or outdated plugins, and install a security plugin.
Software on your computer
Make sure that all software on your computer was obtained through official channels and that you do not download any illegal content. Even though it may seem harmless to watch a movie using Popcorn Time instead of, say, Netflix, it can just as easily bring spyware and malware along with it.
So even if it costs a little money, make sure that all the software you use (especially the software for your business) is obtained legally and kept fully up to date.
In short: Download software only from the official source
2FA
2FA, also known as two-factor authentication.
Most online cloud services (where you most likely store data from customers and clients) offer 2FA. So, for example, when you want to log in to your account, you’ll need to enter a code from your phone (which changes every few seconds or minutes). This way, you can better protect yourself against hackers who, for example, may have already cracked your password but still can’t 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 Small Businesses
For most business owners, there are certainly still steps to take to improve the security of personal data and other information.
Do you have any additional security tips for freelancers and small businesses? Let us know in the comments!
