Small business cyber security should top priority. Cybersecurity isn’t only for big enterprises. Moreover, cybercriminals love to attack the most vulnerable. Being small need not mean vulnerable. Unless you choose to.
Suppose you are a business owner and want to employ cybersecurity. But you do not know where to begin. Let’s get the basics with this article.
Why Prioritize Cybersecurity?
Reject the notion that business comes first. Because know that cybersecurity today, means the business itself.
Much is at risk with negligence.
- Financial and Data Risks
- Full access to your list of clients
- Access to your client’s credit card details
- Putting your company’s banking data at risk
- Product designs
- Manufacturing processes
As you can see, cybersecurity isn’t something to put as an option.
Moreover, for instance, an attack successfully launches into your network. You are also putting other connected companies at risk. Since you are sharing data with them.
What You Can Do: Small Business Cyber Security Basics
Provide Training
Do you know that almost 50% of the attacks stem from internal misuse?
Yes. Your employees could put your business in danger. However, you can not blame them without you, educating them first.
Instances where employees could unintentionally lead an attack:
- Losing a working device (tablet/smartphone)
- Giving of login credentials
- Misopening of malicious emails
- Using personal devices for work
Opening emails, using devices for work, or losing devices- these are sometimes inevitable. But you can do something to mitigate the risks.
Thus, properly train your employees.
Do A Thorough Risk Assessment
This step should be the first among all steps. Do not employ security policies and measures without a full risk assessment.
Why? Because what applies to other companies might not suit yours. Know that each business has unique security needs.
The following should be ensured:
- Examine the process and management of your data storage system
- Identify who has access to your data
- Assess their probability of accessing it
- Gauge the impact of a potential attack
With the risk assessment completed, tailor your security procedures in accord. So you can then adjust and enhance, for instance.
Use Antivirus Software
I know this sounds obvious, but you sure don’t want to miss it.
Moreover, this isn’t all about the mere installation of an antivirus. But, choose an antivirus that has options to clean your computers. For instance, programs that can reset your computers to a pre-infected state.
Update Software Regularly
Software, if kept out of date, will create loopholes of attack. So never ignore update alerts.
The purpose of updates is to add patches. Also, kill the bugs. Not to mention, it strengthens the software’s ability to fight against attacks.
Backup Regularly
For instance, an attack occurs, without data backup, your business can’t run. So this is part of your recovery plan.
In addition, you can make use of backup programs. This shall help you ‘regularly’ do the thing. You still have a business to run. Thus, relying on automation can help lighten the load. Also, it’s more efficient.
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