Introduction
The objective of security mechanisms in any business is to protect the competitive edge of the organization and to ensure the smooth running of its activities. It encompasses protection of information and property from theft, corruption, or natural disaster, while allowing the information and property to remain accessible and productive to its intended users (Burgess, Sellitto, & Karanassios, 2009). Each business must develop a comprehensive security mechanism in place in order to ensure its survivability. The strategies and methodologies employed in security differ from one system to another. One has to choose a strategy that best suites his/her business model rather than picking or emulating a different models of security implementation.
Information Communication Technology has formed a major part in the world of business. In fact, most businesses rely on it to the extent that there would be no functionality without them. They offer a greater and easier way of expanding the business to reach many at a smaller cost. Like any other form of business venture, the use of computer based systems or web based systems in business need a clear-cut understanding of the risks associated with it including putting in place measures that will ensure threats are dealt with effectively (Holden, 2010).
Security concerns
Before setting up any business with Web presence, there is need to consider some issues in order to find solutions on how to deal with them. Trust is one major issue that a business must consider. Customers must trust that their confidential data is kept private. A way of ensuring that an intruder does not get access to not only customers private data but also the business’s confidential information has to be developed. It will require establishing good relationships and trust since there is no face-to-face communication. The security concern here is identity theft, as disclosed data could be stolen or misused (Pakroo, 2010).
To overcome such security concerns, establishing a customer's trust to assure the customers that their personal information is kept confidential and secure is essential. This can be done by deploying a privacy policy and a secure online ordering process – a secure transaction system (Burgess et al., 2009).
The issue of privacy is also of major concern. Many customers find it difficult to believe that their information will be kept private. Collecting of customers’ information unnecessarily can lead to the customer not trusting the business service. The solution to ensure that private data does not get into the hands of a third party is to employ encryption techniques that render the same useless unless one can decrypt it.
Understanding that any system can be breached is the key to finding a lasting solution to the same. The necessary knowledge to be able to tackle a Web presence system is a must. The lack of computing knowledge by many small business owners is a concern. Relief is the fact that some companies do offer specialized outsourcing services that can help overcome this problem. Hackers are increasingly targeting small business because they do not have the technical knowhow or the systems in place are not secure enough.
Another security concern is the denial of service. A disgruntled employee can sabotage the entire system in many ways. Logging the system and hiding the password is an example of one way that it could be done. To ensure that such issue does not disable business operations a back door to the system should be put in place. Not only sabotaging can cause this but also normal errors or technical aspect.
How to overcome security risks
The solution for the many security risks that the business might face lies in the use of experts. Consulting with web or IT Support Company is necessary to ensure one stays on top of all security risks. These experts will in many ways keep the website and the business reputation safe.
The other technical approach to solving these risks is by use of internet protocol security (IPSec) to secure communications on the network (Burgess et.al. 2009).. If a wireless network is used a Wi-Fi protected Access (WPA) should be employed. Encryption is the key in ensuring security for all connections to the web server. Some file encryption techniques that should be used for e-mail include Pretty Good Privacy(PGP), Privacy Enhanced Mail (PEM), Source Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions(S/MIME) or MIME Object Security Services (MOSS). All these mechanisms improve security of communication (Williams, 2007). An additional security is to use secure socket layer (SSL) and S-HTTP which improves security in transactions between browsers and websites. Being aware of business scams and advising customers of the same will improve the ones services.
Discussion
Online business changes the way traditional organizations do business. It allows easy business to customer business as well as effective business to business relationships. It improves networking amongst the business partners by providing a good avenue for buying and selling and marketing.
If enough security measures are implemented into the online businesses then I believe they will be secure enough to be able to withstand the test of time. In as much as adequate security mechanisms can be provided regular update of those measures is important. This will ensure that the business stays ahead of the frequently changing technology. Online business systems improve how companies work with customers and suppliers to communicate, coordinate, and collaborate more easily and effectively. Incorporating e-business development in a business has become a competitive necessity for every business owner whether small or big.
The security of well developed web based e-business should not be put into doubt. Much software are available for sale and free that can be used to enhance the security capabilities of the systems. To add to that many IT firms are providing out sourcing security services at very affordable rates that every business investor should find it easy to acquire.
Conclusion
The internet has brought the world into one small global village. Doing business over the internet is increasingly becoming the easiest way to ensure success of every venture. It has improved business-customer relationship as well as increase service delivery efficiency. In as much as many concerns are raised concerning its security standards, the worries that are associated with outweigh its benefits by a very big margin. It always offers a better platform for any form of business.
Reference
Burgess S.,Sellitto, C.&Karanassios, S.(2009).Effective Web Presence Solutions for Small Businesses:Strategies for Successful Implementation. New York. N Y: IGI Global.
Holden G. (2010).Starting an Online Business for Dummies.Wiley-IEEE.
Pakroo, P. (2010).The small business start-up kit. California. CA: Nolo
Williams, G.B. (2007). Online business security systems. London: university of East London.
