Data Privacy Day encourages
online vigilance for customers
and businesses

Every time you go online, your personal data can be collected, used, and shared with others. As scary as it Data Privacy Week, observed annually on the last week of January, aims to educate the public about protecting sensitive information.

Customers also expect businesses to protect their data and prevent unauthorized access to their personal information.

Cybercriminals target South Dakota businesses

South Dakota businesses face the highest risk of cyberattacks, losing more money per cybercrime on average than businesses in any other state. On average, cyberattacks cost businesses in the state about $60,000. New York, the third most at-risk state averages about $32,000 per fraud complaint.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft also claims 5% of Americans each year, which can take an average of 175 hours to undo the damage. Customers and businesses should protect their digital footprint, as everyone involved will lose time and money.

Small businesses are frequent targets because their cybersecurity budgets are typically smaller than those of larger companies, but anybody can end up a victim. Many Americans and business owners feel they lack control over their personal data, but there are proactive steps you can take to better understand how your data is being collected, shared, and used.

The following tactics will help you protect your own and customers’ private data:

• • Use virus protection and keep your software up to date.
  • Businesses should consider using a firewall to monitor network traffic and prevent unauthorized access.
  • Unsecured Wi-Fi connections may pose a risk. Use them sparingly when a secure connection is unavailable.
  • Use strong passwords and change them frequently. Do not save them on any of your devices.
  • Use multi-factor authentication for all your accounts containing sensitive information.
  • Adjust the privacy/security settings on social media platforms, websites, and apps to levels you are comfortable with.
  • Don’t give out personal information over the phone, email, or text.

Keep customers safe with ease

Tools like Golden West’s BizWorks Internet Suite are designed to help businesses manage both connectivity and security in one place and give customers peace of mind. The service combines fiber

internet with built-in antivirus and antimalware protection, automatic internet backup to reduce cyber incidents, and more.

Along with features built for businesses, Golden West also guarantees access technical support to help businesses respond quickly to issues and protect sensitive customer data. As work becomes more digital, a secure network is more important than ever and can prevent businesses from closing their doors unexpectedly.

Add layers to Wi-Fi

For customers looking to protect their data safe while at home, Golden West Ultimate Wi-Fi has multi-layered security to keep your data. You can monitor and remove devices from your network, block websites from being visited, and use advanced tools to prevent hackers from infiltrating your internet.

Keeping every single bit of data secure isn’t realistic, but by following the above guidelines and adding security tools, you’ll reduce the odds of compromising data anywhere the internet is accessed.

Sources: Some information for this article was provided by online articles from MediaPro Cybersecurity & Privacy Education, staysafeonline.org, the Federal Trade Commission, South Dakota Consumer Protection, and the International Society of Privacy Professionals.