If you started your freelancing business from scratch, and built up your reputation over the years, you don’t want a security threat to take it away from you in just a few seconds. You must protect your intellectual property, and the business infrastructure you have created. From contract details to your website and order processes, inventions, and designs; there are so many valuable assets you can lose if you don’t pay attention to internet security. Below you will find a list of the most common threats to freelance businesses.
1. Account Hacking
If you have a few professional accounts on various freelancing and contracting sites, you must keep your information safe and secure. Keep on changing your password, and never share your information with anyone who doesn’t look genuine. Moreover, make sure to use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks (check these VPN reviews to select a good one). If your freelance account gets hacked, you can lose money and important customers at the same time. Chances are that your reputation you worked so hard on will be compromised, and it will take long weeks or months to get your access restored.
2. Spyware
Spyware will track wherever you go on the internet, and could send the information to other companies or your competitors. This means that your trade secrets will be revealed. Spyware can also impact your use of different software, and slow down your machine. Spy programs can be impacting your everyday business activities, and impact your performance.
Image via Flickr
3. Malware
Malware, as well as viruses can cause huge security issues, and compromise your company data. You must make sure that you have an effective antivirus software installed on your site, and you get it updated regularly. Not many people know, however, that antivirus programs cannot detect spyware or malware. You need a separate peace of software to get rid of unwanted scripts that run in the background and slow down your machine.
4. Data Breach
When you work for different companies as a freelance contractor, you will be likely to store important information about them and their clients. If you fail to keep the information secure, and it is revealed to a third party, you will face a lawsuit and possible prosecution. Never store business information on a device that can easily be accessed by other people. Data breach can cost you your freelancing business and reputation.
5. App Security
If you use cloud based apps for collaborating with customers, and sharing documents, you need to review your privacy and security settings. Some apps will request access to your payment and personal information, and this can be potentially dangerous. Before installing a new app, you should talk to Carden IT and ask their expert opinion on the safety features.
Whether you are a web designer or a freelance writer, information security is one of the most important things you need to focus on. You don’t want to accidentally reveal your clients’ financial details, and lose large contracts. At the same time, you need to make sure that your business infrastructure is secure and up-to-date, or you can face weeks of disruption, due to a virus, malware or spyware attack.
