It's the Security, Stupid!

A simple Google search about "lost customer financial data" yields startling and frustrating results.

TJX (T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s) Largest Breach of Customer Data in ...
HSBC faces probe over lost customer data disc Money guardian.co.uk
Marriott timeshare unit reports lost customer data
WTIC News/Talk 1080 - State Officials Name Companies with Lost ...
Customer Data Lost, Citigroup Unit Says

A National morning news program recently demonstrated how easily a reasonably technical person could steal customer credit card data armed only with simple equipment purchased at a local Radio Shack and sitting in a car in a shopping plaza.

I can almost forgive a company for losing data when they are the victim of a brute force hacker attack, but most of the problems with lost customer information results from a simple lack of attention to security.

Small businesses can protect themselves from the most common problems by following some simple tips:

#1 Keep confidential customer data off of your wireless network. Never put your credit card processors or electronic cash registers on a wireless network. It may cost you a few extra dollars for cabling, but letting a customer credit card number travel across a wireless network invites potentially disastrous trouble.

#2 Sequester your customer wireless network. If you offer a wireless hot spot in your place of business, make it a redundant connection that has no ties to your business network. DSL prices have become so low that there is no excuse for using your business bandwidth to let customers surf the Internet. If you must offer customers wireless access, purchase a low cost DSL connection exclusively for their use. Keeping that wireless traffic off of your business network closes the doors on the most common hacker attacks.

#3 Firewall, firewall, firewall. If you have a high speed connection, you are being probed by potential hackers. Make sure that you have a decent firewall to protect yourself, your business, and your customer's data. Many companies offer software and hardware based firewalls at very little cost to your business. Think of it as an insurance policy. At the very least, a firewall makes it tougher for a hacker to get through your defences and steal your data. Sonic and Barracuda offer several options for a wide variety of business applications. Don't make yourself hacker prone by living without a firewall.

#4 Network Security Software: Most small businesses ignore network security out of simple ignorance. It just never hits the top of the priority list amidst all of the other issues in your business. Take a moment to review this article and start shopping for a basic security solution for your business. Don't leave yourself and your customers vulnerable to attack any longer.

In the age of high speed Internet access and tech-savvy criminals, no business can afford not to take their employee and customer data security seriously. A few simple measures can provide the basic security most small businesses need. But, no one knows your business better than you do. Invest in extra security or the help of a good network specialist if you have special sensitivity to customer financial data.