Cyber Security Best Practices for Small Businesses

 
09/01/2022

By Sierra Powell,


It's simple to believe that since you run a small firm, fraudsters won't target it. Small company owners often think that there isn't much to steal when it comes to cyber security. However, this belief is false and out of touch with current best practices. According to FireEye, only 42% of small company owners are worried about cyber security, even though 77% of all cybercrimes target small businesses. You don't need to hire an IT specialist or spend thousands of dollars adding cyber security to your company. You can protect your company's and customers' data by using and incorporating a few simple practices.

Develop a Cyber Plan

The greatest thing you can do to ensure strong cybersecurity is to devise a strategy that protects your company if it gets hacked. The strategy should be a continuous learning process that includes all staff members. Moreover, the action plan also needs to have where to keep data backups, when to inform law enforcement and who to call. Also, the Federal Communications Commission provides a cyber-planner to assist small company owners in developing a strategy to safeguard their organizations.

Educate Your Staff Members

No matter how advanced your cyber security systems are your staff is still the weakest link in your defenses. Therefore, please ensure they know the risks and the means available to defend the company. The more you explain to them why you are doing something, the more likely it is that they will either join the fight or, at the very least, comprehend why things are probably more challenging.

Make Regular Backups of Your Data

You may still get hacked even if you've done all you can to protect yourself. Hence, the Small Business Administration SBA advises businesses to make regular backups of their essential data, including their account receivable, accounts payable, and financial and human resources records. Also, remember to back up any cloud-based information and keep the backups in a different place in case of fire or flooding. Additionally, constantly check your backup to ensure it is working properly and that you will always have the most recent copy if you ever need it.

Protect Your WIFI Network

When you initially acquire Wi-Fi equipment, it's not secure. Although your device has a default password, ensure that your network is secured with only a password you know. There are several password types you may pick from on your router, but one of the safest options is a Wi-Fi Protected Access II WPA2 password. Also, it would be best to conceal your network, so the router doesn't disclose your network name. You can create a guest account with a separate password and security features to prevent clients or customers from accessing your primary network.

Set up Two-Factor Authentication

Nowadays, anybody may become a victim of a cyberattack or hack, which is why it is crucial to safeguard your personal information and your business's data. By using 2-factor authentication, you can prevent unauthorized access to your accounts in the easiest possible method. Thus, a hacker will have difficulty breaking into your system even if they manage to steal your credentials.

Install a Firewall

A firewall is one of the primary lines of protection against cyberattacks. Using a firewall is recommended by the Federal Communications Commission FCC for all small and medium-sized businesses SMBs. In addition to the more traditional exterior firewall, you should have an internal firewall as an extra layer of security protection. Also, employees who work from home should set up a firewall on their local network. To guarantee compliance, you should consider offering firewall software and assistance for home networks.

Consider Hiring Cybersecurity Specialists

To keep your data secure and your systems resilient to cyberattacks, you need to hire top security specialists to guard your networks. Depending on the cybersecurity services provided, experts can protect your business through penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and countering new threats as they emerge.

 

Security is constantly evolving. Each day, cyber hackers improve their skills. Therefore, to keep your data safe, you should ensure that every employee understands the importance of prioritizing cyber security. In addition, keep up with the latest trends in cyberattacks and new protection technologies since your company relies upon them. It is up to you to ensure your company's and your employee's safety. Even though it may seem like a daunting task, you can take the steps outlined above to minimize the risk of a security breach.

 

 



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