Better Cybersecurity for Better SEO

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Cybersecurity FOR BETTER SEO https://anythingseo.wordpress.co m/2018/04/16/bettercybersecurity-for-better-seo/

Nobody is safe from the threats of cyber-crime. As I have said before, security is a crucial aspect of SEO that can make or break a brand’s reputation. A poll by Manta Media Inc. shows that 87% of small business owners believe that they are not at risk of cyber-crime attack. Unfortunately, according to Ponemon, 50% of SMB were breached in 2016.

Here’s a fun fact: 60% of small businesses that suffer cyberattacks go out of business within 6 months. It’s about time we pay attention to cybersecurity.

WHAT IS A CYBERATTACK? Cyber-attack, also known as a computer network attack (CNA), is a “deliberate exploitation of computer systems, technologydependent enterprises and networks. Cyber-attacks use malicious code to alter computer code, logic or data, resulting in disruptive consequences that can compromise data and lead to cyber-crimes, such as information and identity theft.”

-Techopedia

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Cybersecurity FOR BETTER SEO WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF CYBER-SECURITY ON YOUR SEO? A cyber-security scandal is bad for your SEO. Google flags websites that suffer from a cybersecurity breach as “hacked” or “malicious”. A security breach will harm your branding efforts, especially for e-commerce websites. Consumers will not be willing to use their credit cards on compromised websites. A cyber-security scandal could lead to devastating damages such as lower credibility, drop in SERP, and profit loss. You can protect your brand by protecting your customers. Consumers would give more value to your brand if they feel safe interacting with you.

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CYBERATTACKS? Consumers and brands need to protect their data on the internet. Forbes shared a digital declutter checklist and listed the cyber-security cleaning tips for consumers created by the National Cyber Security Alliance and Better Business Bureau: Review privacy and security settings on the websites you use.

Fortify online accounts by using strong authentication tools available.

Clean and declutter your email.

Ensure all software are updated.

Delete unused applications and programs.

Wipe or destroy unneeded hard drives.

Businesses should create a cyber-security strategy to protect themselves and their consumers from cyber-attacks. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) wrote an advisory to protect small businesses against ransomware. SBA also created a list to secure your small business from cyber-attacks: Equip and update antivirus and antispyware regularly.

Use a firewall and encrypt information.

Establish cyber-security practices and policies to protect sensitive information.

Educate employees about cyber-threats and hold them accountable.

Implement multi-factor authentication for your employees.

Employ best practices on payment cards.

Regularly backup data on all computers.

Prevent access or use of business computers by unauthorized individuals.

Create mobile device action plan.

Protect all pages on your public-facing websites.

CONCLUSION Never put your customers, your business, and yourself at risk. Prevention is always better than cure. It is difficult to rebrand after a cyber-crime attack. Protecting your website from data breach should be one of your SEO priorities.

One of the best things you can do for your business is to have a security-first mentality.