The cybersecurity landscape is changing rapidly, and small businesses are increasingly at risk. Cybercriminals are targeting small businesses with greater sophistication than ever before. The hacking of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in 2016 provides a clear example of how hackers can exploit cybersecurity vulnerabilities to gain access to organizations’ data and disrupt their operations. This, is one reason why cybersecurity for small businesses is vital.
Businets Inc has been providing cybersecurity services for over 12 years – so we know what it takes to protect your business against cyberattacks!
Tips on Cybersecurity for Small Businesses
The Internet allows businesses of all sizes and from any location to expand into new markets and improve their productivity by using computer-based tools. Whether a business is considering cloud computing or simply emailing and maintaining a website, cybersecurity for your small business should be part of the equation.
Provide Firewall Security for Your Internet Connection
A firewall is a system or group of systems that acts as a barrier between your business and the Internet. It monitors incoming traffic to ensure it meets acceptable use policies, blocks anything suspicious from entering, and only lets approved data through. Make sure the operating system’s firewall is enabled and that if employees work from home you take the time to ensure that their home systems are protected by a firewall.
Train Your Employees in Security Procedures
Establish basic security practices and procedures for your employees to follow. Some examples of these procedures include requiring strong passwords, establishing proper internet use guidelines, establish rules of how to handle and protect customer information and other important data.
Create a Mobile Device Action Plan
Cell phones and other mobile devices can create significant threats to security and overall management challenges. This is especially important for your employees that that hold confidential information or are able to access the corporate network.
Require all of your employees to password protect their devices, install security apps, and encrypt their data. You will also want to take the time to set reporting procedures for lost or stolen devices.
Secure Your Wi-Fi Networks
If you have a Wi-Fi network for your business, cybersecurity requires that you protect it. It is highly recommended to change the defaults password of any wireless access points or routers being used by employees and always ensure they are using unique passwords when connecting wirelessly. This will prevent unauthorized users from accessing your company’s data through an unsecured wireless connection.
Utilize Passwords and Password Authentication
Our next tip when it comes to cybersecurity for small businesses is to utilize passwords and password authentication. Have your employees to use unique passwords and to change their passwords every three months. You may even want to consider implementing multi-factor authentication that requires more than just a password to gain entry.
Limit Employee Access to Data and Information
Limiting the number of employees that have access to certain information is key when it comes to cybersecurity for your small business. You will want to make sure you limit or delegate all employee access levels within your business system and ensure they are only given what they need in order for them perform their tasks. You should never provide any one employee with access to all of your data systems. They should only be given access to the systems that are needed in order to complete their job.
Limit Authorities ability to Install Software
Restricting the software that can be installed on company computers is another important cybersecurity practice. This will help to minimize any potential threats posed by unauthorized applications, including spyware and malware. Your employees should never be installing any systems without permission.
Make Backup Copies of Important Documents and Information
Another component of cybersecurity for small businesses that should be noted is making backup copies of important documents and information should servers or computers be compromised by malware. You will want to encrypt all sensitive data files as well. This can help provide an additional layer of security if the original document is stolen or hacked into remotely.
Protect Your Information
Utilizing strong passwords and authentication will help to limit unauthorized access over the internet or through mobile apps. You can also protect your information by keeping your machines clean. That means installing the latest security software, web browsers, and operating systems in order to provide a layer of cybersecurity for small businesses. Schedule your antivirus software to run a scan after each update that occurs and make sure to install all other key software updates as soon as they are available.
Create User Accounts for Each Employee
Another method to take advantage of when it comes to cybersecurity for small businesses is to help protect your network by creating separate user accounts for each and every employee. This will help to track who is accessing what information and when. You can also set restrictions on which files or folders they are able to see and access.
Use the Best Practices for Payment Processing
When it comes to cybersecurity for your small business, you should also pay attention to the best practices for payment processing. This includes utilizing a secure connection and not transmitting sensitive data over unsecured networks or using public WiFi connections. You will want to work with banks or processors to ensure that you are using the most trusted and verified tools as well as anti-fraud protection too. Another layer of security you should take is isolating payment systems from other programs. For example don’t use the same computer you surf the web with to be the computer you use to process payments.
The Best Cybersecurity For Small Businesses…
While all of these methods and practices are important to carry out, the best method of cybersecurity for small businesses is trust a professional IT company.
Our team at Businets Inc is here to help you with all of your cybersecurity needs. Whether that means setting up firewalls, or installing physical security systems and cameras in your home we are here to help keep your business’s network and sensitive information safe and secure. contact us today for more information about cybersecurity for small businesses.