Cyber Security Measures to Protect Your Small Business
With less resources to dedicate to cyber security attacks, small businesses are especially vulnerable to these threats. According to the National Small Business Association, one in five small businesses will face a cyber security attack, with the average attack costing a business $9,000. Unfortunately, the majority of small businesses do not have a response plan in place.
Here are some of tips to protect your business from falling victim to a cyber security attack:
- Implement cyber security training for all employees
October was National Cyber Security Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of cyber security and provide resources for individuals and business owners to be safe online. As an employer, it is your responsibility to establish basic security principles for your employees and how to properly handle customer data.
- Keep software and machines up to date
To protect your sensitive information and computers from cyber-attacks, it is very important to maintain the most recent, updated security software and operating system, which are built to prevent these cyber security attacks.
- Create a firewall for your internet connection
A firewall is like a digital shield, protecting your internal data and information from outside software or hackers. Some firewalls are also able to scan for viruses to help prevent the problem in the first place. Additionally, you want to make sure that your Wi-Fi network is secure. You can ensure your network is encrypted by setting a unique Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2) code and hiding the router and password from plain sight.
- Secure passwords and authentication
In addition to the company Wi-Fi password, every employee should use best practices when deciding passwords for company accounts, and changing them around every three months. Multi-factor authentication is also a helpful tool for preventing outsiders from getting in.
- Save a backup of all data
The extremely valuable information stored associated with technology means that it is crucial to have a backup of your data just in case things go awry. You should have an extra copy of documents including electronic spreadsheets, finances, human resource files and anything else crucial to your business’s ability to function. You can either use a cloud backup or an external hard drive.
- Create a cybersecurity plan
While prevention of any cyber security breach is ideal, it still occurs. In the event of a cyber security emergency, your company should have an incident response plan that includes who to contact, where backup data is stored, and when outside entities, like law enforcement, need to be involved.
With seemingly endless ways for hackers to infiltrate your sensitive data, small businesses need to be particularly vigilant in establishing and maintaining a cyber security system.