American Church Group - Colorado

Defending Your Digital Presence

Chances are you, or someone you know, has had their online information stolen. Turn on the television and it won’t be long before you hear about the latest cybercrime. In today’s electronically connected world, computer hackers and viruses make the personal information of church employees, members, and visitors vulnerable to cyber-attacks. It’s an ever-growing problem that you can lessen with a little forethought.

Here are eight ideas you can implement to protect your church’s online presence.

• Strengthen the weak spots. Patch your operating system by installing free software updates to close holes hackers could climb through.
• Have a back-up plan. Back up your business information on a monthly bases, and store your backups in a secure, off-site location.
• Put up a wall. Install firewalls to help prevent unauthorized access to your network.
• Secure your wireless connection. Having an unsecured network means anyone with a wireless laptop can access your ministry’s computers. Take steps to lockout unwanted visitors.
• Keep up with what you’ve got. Virus and spyware protection needs regular updates. Check security programs monthly to make sure they’re still providing updates. If not, you may need a subscription renewal.
• Ask an expert. Find an upstanding computer support company in your area to assess the status of your network security.
• Take action. If your website is hacked, contact law enforcement immediately.
• Consider coverage. Review your church’s insurance policy and consider adding cyber liability coverage to help protect you in the event of a cyber-breach.

Take time to educate yourself about cyber security, and work to limit unauthorized use of data. These are the best actions you can take to protect the personal information of church members and those who participate in your ministry activities.