You may be under the impression that all things to boost online security are complex, complicated, and even expensive. However, here are a few simple yet overlooked ways that businesses can improve online security on a budget.
Random Number Generators (RNGs)
Put simply, RNGs use hardware or software to generate non-sequential random numbers or characters. In essence, this digitally mimics the same aspect of luck that you’d get from rolling a dice, spinning a wheel, or choosing a card at random. For this reason, RNGs have been popularized largely due to their usage in online casino games. When gaming enthusiasts play casino games such as Age of the Gods: God of Storms, Cod Chaos Net Profit, or Gold Rush Express, RNGs control which icons fall, where, and when, as well as when any bonus rounds are activated, in a way that is unpredictable. This ensures that the gameplay is as fair and random as possible, making the experience more immersive.
What you might not know, however, is that RNGs also have a range of applications in online security. As the results of RNGs are unpredictable, the tool can be an effective method of generating strong passwords for unrelated and non-sequential numbers, letters, and special characters.
Because the passwords are totally random and not based on reality, they are harder to crack or guess. In the same vein, RNGs are the backbone of a lot of encryption software, storing sensitive information and files in a randomized, secure format. As the information can only be unlocked by authorized users with the encryption key, this ensures data is as secure as possible.
Regular Backups
Another simple, overlooked way to improve online security is to regularly back up your files. This could mean backing up your files on the cloud or an external hard drive. In the unfortunate and unforeseen event of a power outage, cyberattack, or another disaster, the backup files ensure that files can be restored as quickly as possible, allowing businesses to get back on their feet with little downtime.
The frequency of your backup strategy depends on each individual business – there’s no ‘one size fits all’ solution. For example, some industries are governed by strict regulatory bodies, which could dictate hourly or daily backups to adhere to data protection policies. For others, it depends on how much data you can afford to lose. With this in mind, automated backups are a popular solution, as it removes the risk of forgetfulness.
Update all Hardware and Software
We’ve all been there – your laptop or PC insists you download and install the latest update. But it’s time-consuming and plain annoying, right? In fact, updating your hardware and software to the latest operating system as soon as possible is a key underrated way to bolster your online security.
When developers are producing an update, they will look at any issues the previous version had – including potential doors for hackers to climb through. In other words, updates are the way to patch known holes in security protocols. For example, Apple’s iOS 18 update contained thirty-three security fixes. Next time an update pops up, remember to install it as soon as possible.
And there you have it – just a few underrated, often overlooked, and budget-friendly ways for businesses to improve online security. All that’s left is to try a few techniques and see what works best for you.
