Technology has been a great help for the business world and consequently for consumers as well. However, with the rise of technology come threats like hackers and malware. For a small business, protecting the security and private information of customers is important, so use this list of resources to learn more about protecting your business and your customers.
Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau is a well-known non-profit organization established with the purpose of advancing trust in the marketplace. The organization provides information to consumers to help them choose quality businesses and contractors. The organization also has a data security section on their website that has security risk management guides and provides updates for business owners regarding changed laws. You’ll be able to find a wealth of information about the security risks you may face as well as actionable solutions.
Privacy Manager Resource Center
You have probably checked an “I have read the privacy policy” box in the past week, but did you actually read through that wall of fine print? While these policies might not be high on your reading list, they are incredibly important for protecting your businesses liabilities. The Privacy Manager Resource Center on the Better Business Bureau website has many tools to help understand privacy policies and guide you in drafting your own.
Online Privacy Policy Generators
Speaking of privacy policies, you may not have the time or the will to grind through a lengthy privacy policy of your own, which is why the Internet has given you online privacy policy generators. If you’ve ever written a research paper for school, you probably remember using a citation generator so you wouldn’t have to consult with the tedious MLA handbook. Now you can do the same thing with your privacy policy. All you need are a few pieces of information about your company.
Visa
If you handle any type of sales, you probably accept card payments, which may bring up important questions about card security. When in doubt, consult with Visa’s posted information regarding the security standards for safe merchant sales. Plus, if you think your security has been compromised, the company’s site has a user-friendly response guide with checklist included.
IBM Small Business Center
IBM is an industry leader in the technology field and a well-respected company in the business realm. At the company’s online business center, you can find a wealth of information specifically targeted for small business owners. You can get great advice regarding technological security from a trusted company. From training to software, you can find advice on the best solutions for your needs and location.
Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission is an independent United States agency charged with consumer protection and preventing anti-competitive business practices. Their website contains small business resources for maintaining security and privacy. In particular, the company site has sections devoted to children’s privacy, credit reporting, data security, the Red Flags Rule, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and technology. Each section contains information on a range of topics including guides and tips.
OnGuard Online
If you want a ton of information about protecting your privacy on everything from safe Internet usage for kids to best business practices, OnGuard Online is a great resource. It will give you tips for smart web surfing, and you’ll find instructions for securing your computer against hacking and malware. The site has a subsection dedicated to small business topics and protections. You’ll find helpful apps and tutorials for your security and privacy needs.
As you learn more about security and privacy, be sure you understand your local, state and federal laws regarding safe sales practices. Using your knowledge, develop a sound security plan for your company and preserve your security. You also shouldn’t hesitate to bring in legal assistance should the need arise.
Legal Disclaimer
The content on our website is only meant to provide general information and is not legal advice. We make our best efforts to make sure the information is accurate, but we cannot guarantee it. Do not rely on the content as legal advice. For assistance with legal problems or for a legal inquiry please contact you attorney.