5 Ways to Protect Your Health Website From Hackers

If you’re running a health website, you do everything you can to protect the well-being of your clients.

But are you doing everything you can to protect their personal information against hackers and viruses?

Read on to find out how you can keep their data from being compromised.

1. Run Software Updates

When your customers are making inquiries about sensitive information like lap band surgery or a weight loss detox cleanse, the last thing they want is for that to be made public.

One of the easiest things you can do to keep this kind of data private?

Always run updates. Yes, it can be frustrating to have to wait for your computer to boot up. But it’s certainly a lot less frustrating than having all your customers’ personal information exposed.

2. Choose the Right Passwords

This should be a no-brainer, but you might be surprised by some of the phrases you find on this list of the most common passwords.

Is your password among them?

In general, it’s always a good idea to come up with passwords that include letters, numbers, and special characters.

You’ll also need to change your passwords frequently — about once a month to stay safe. Finally, don’t use the same password for all of your accounts. If you do this, you could face a complete disaster if hackers manage to guess it.

3. Avoid Public Wi-Fi Networks

Sure, public and unsecured Wi-Fi is convenient, free, and available when you need it.

It’s also a great way for hackers to get a hold of your customers’ data, and then to hold it for ransom.

A hacker could be sitting at the table right across from you at the coffee shop, stealing your customers’ credit card information while you sip your latte, totally unaware.

Always instruct your employees to avoid public Wi-Fi networks. It’s just not worth the risk.

4. Beware of Suspicious Emails

Some spam emails that likely contain viruses are easier to spot than others.

But especially in today’s world, when so many employees are able to work remotely, you’ll need to take extra care to ensure hackers don’t get a hold of your website.

To ensure nothing goes wrong, it’s a good idea to ask your employees not to check their personal emails on their work computers. It can wait until they get home.

Additionally, avoid opening emails from addresses you don’t know. If you open a spam email and hackers begin infiltrating your network, get professional help immediately.

5. Consider Professional Virus Protection Services

When you’re dealing with sensitive information like someone’s weight, diet, and workout schedule, sometimes the “DIY” approach just isn’t secure enough.

Professional security services can routinely comb through your website and data and look for any suspicious activity. They can create backups of your information, update your software for you, and more.

They’re also always up-to-date with the latest techniques hackers are using.

Protect Your Customers — And Your Brand’s Reputation

With about 30,000 websites hacked every single day, there’s no such thing as being over-prepared when it comes to the security of your website.

Thanks to the tips in this post, you can start taking preventative action today.