Hi, I am Louise and I run The Personalised Map Company where I specialise in unique map prints for milestone moments. I make star map constellations and geographical prints for gift giving such as weddings, anniversaries, Father’s Day and Christmas.
I run my business on a number of platforms including Etsy.
As a business owner, it can be devastating to experience a security breach or hacking. Unfortunately, it’s a reality that many entrepreneurs face at some point in their career. As the owner of an Etsy shop, I learned this lesson the hard way when my shop was hacked. However, through this experience, I gained valuable insight and learned some essential business lessons that have helped me navigate future challenges. Here are my top 5 business lessons learned from my Etsy shop being hacked:
-
Two-Factor Authentication is Essential
One of the most important things I learned from my experience was the importance of two-factor authentication. This extra layer of security is crucial to prevent unauthorized access to your account. By enabling two-factor authentication, you will ensure that any changes to your account require a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone. This simple step can prevent your shop from being hacked and keep your sensitive information safe.
2. Patience is Key
When it comes to issues like hacking and fraud, it’s essential to be patient. I quickly realized that Etsy wasn’t going to fix the issue overnight, and it required a lot of persistence and patience. However, it’s important to keep following up with Etsy until the issue is resolved. Although it may be frustrating, it’s worth it in the long run to protect your shop and customers’ data.
3. Business Friends are Invaluable
Having business friends that you can reach out to during tough times can be invaluable. My fellow Etsy shop owners were a great source of support and advice during my experience. They shared their own experiences and offered helpful tips on how to deal with the situation. Having a support network of other entrepreneurs who understand what you’re going through can make a big difference.
4. Rainy Day Funds are a Must-Have
It’s important to have a rainy day fund set aside for unexpected situations like this. Unfortunately, security breaches and hacking are becoming increasingly common in today’s digital world, and it’s crucial to be prepared. It has taken me 3 months to get my shop back and up and running, 3 months of having a severely reduced income. Having a reserve of funds to cover unexpected expenses, such as hiring a security consultant, can help alleviate some of the financial stress that comes with a security breach.
5. Niche Down and Open Separate Etsy Shops
Lastly, I learned the importance of niching down and opening separate Etsy shops. By focusing on a specific niche, you can better target your audience and stand out from the competition. Additionally, opening separate Etsy shops for different niches can help protect your overall business if one shop experiences a security breach. This strategy also allows you to experiment with different products and see what resonates with your customers.
In conclusion, while experiencing a security breach or hacking can be a daunting and stressful experience, there are valuable business lessons to be learned. By implementing these lessons, you can protect your shop and customers’ data, prepare for unexpected situations, and ultimately grow and thrive as an entrepreneur.
My tops on what to do and how to prevent hacking is here