Important Cyber Security Tips For Small Businesses

An Overview

Establishing a small business has its fair share of risks involved. A cyber threat is an attempt to steal the data of a company viciously and cause a disturbance. Awareness about cyber attacks has evidently increased over the past few years.

With the ongoing cybersecurity news stories, you must take one thing into account: never cut corners when it comes to security. As businesses become more alert to protect their data and devices and take essential measures to stay secure, cybercriminals have relatively notched up their game as well.

Cyber threats have increased in complexity, number and sophistication. They may or may not take place, but the fear of the unknown continues to affect most organisations. Nonetheless, taking safety measures after a breach has taken place might be a little too late.

If you are looking to save your business from nasty issues such as theft of your customers’ personal data, loss of records and fraud, to name a few, we have compiled a list of some tips that will keep your prospering small business away from disaster.

Also Read: Digital forensics: What does a professional in the field do?

Tips To Prevent Your Small Business From Cyber Threats

1. Regular Software and Patch Updates

Many businesses do not even consider that software and systems must be updated manually because they are used to automatic updates on their laptops and computers, particularly from Windows-based programs. Software updates involve security patches that are essential in the fight against cybercrimes. The router and devices connected to it remain vulnerable without these new patches. This is why businesses must update their wireless routers’ firmware along with all the devices in the workplace, be it scanners, printers and the like.

2. Train Your Staff

According to surveys, employee negligence is the main reason behind data breaches. Almost half of the small businesses directed towards human error, such as accidental loss of a device by a staff member, as the reason behind the breach of data that an organisation. Hence, it is crucial that businesses take the time to train their staff on cybersecurity measures.

3. Passwords & Authentication

Strong passwords that are difficult to crack, 20 characters in length involving letters, numbers and symbols are necessary for the fight against cyber threats. The more difficult it is to figure out a password, the less possibility there is of a brute-force attack to be successful. As an additional safety measure, small businesses must incorporate multi-factor authentication (MFA) into their employees’ apps and devices.

4. Timely Risk Assessments

Risk assessments may sound like something only large-scale organisations have the resources to carry out. Still, small businesses must consider incorporating them into their cybersecurity procedures. Businesses must consider all the scenarios for cybersecurity. Data is mostly stored in the cloud. As a result, businesses can depend on their cloud storage provider to help them carry out a risk assessment to evaluate what threats, if there are any, exist and what possible measures can be taken to intensify data security.

5. Regular File Backups

Taking a backup of files may seem like an old-school way to protect data, but even in the present-day scenario of backup and cloud storage, it is highly recommendable.

6. Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

A VPN gives the authority to access a company’s network securely while traveling or working from home. This is mandatory because usually, employees use the internet for access, which is not as secure as compared to the company’s network. VPNs diminish the impacts of a cyberattack because they also encrypt data. As a result, they can serve as an extra safety measure of security when employees are using their home wireless network or a network at a cafe or a restaurant.

7. Deploy Antivirus

The number of viruses has increased rapidly over the past few years, which is why businesses must make sure that antivirus software is installed properly. Antivirus software must be set up not only on corporate-owned devices but also on the systems owned by employees that are used for work-related purposes. The antivirus software must also be updated on a regular basis. Updates may be automatic or might need to be performed manually.

8. Secure Your Wi-Fi Networks

Businesses should secure their wireless networks in as many ways as possible. Two simple things that they can do is change the router’s default name and password. It is crucial to change the router’s name to a name that does not give away the name of the business on its own.

The next step is to encrypt the wireless network to the strongest protocol there is. Currently, it is Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3). Another way to make sure that the Wi-Fi network remains secure is to regularly check that all of the devices connected to the network are also protected by using data encryption and strong passwords.

Bottom Line!

Small business cybersecurity does not have to be complex. Even though the tips discussed above are tried-and-rested methods for intensifying the security of the devices and data of an organisation, a consolidated, simplified security solution is an additional measure that is worth investigating.

All you need is an excellent cybersecurity services that helps small businesses amplify their security efforts by managing and unifying their networks and applications. The cybersecurity experts at Elijah are at your service, bringing to you all the cybersecurity solutions that you need to keep your data and devices secure from cybercriminals.

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