Are you thinking about starting a business? Chances are you have an idea of the many steps involved and challenges you’ll face on your journey. But one aspect of business ownership that often gets overlooked is cybersecurity.
Despite the fact that cybercrime has increased 600% in the last two years, a significant majority of small businesses still lack the knowledge and tools necessary for protecting themselves against hackers and other criminals. If you hope to establish your new business on solid ground, it’s essential to learn about cybersecurity and how to protect your company and customer data. Whether you’re in network engineering, network security, or any other industry, these tips will help:
Understand the Issues
Cyber threats continue to infiltrate small business networks and devices in various ways. For instance, hackers use social engineering to appear like trusted contacts or sources and send phishing emails to obtain passwords or banking information. Phishing attacks can also happen through text messaging.
Malicious software (malware) is an umbrella term that covers viruses, ransomware, worms, Trojans, spyware, and other harmful software that can corrupt a device or network. Moreover, watering-hole attacks are impacting small businesses across industries. In these types of attacks, cybercriminals employ these attacks on specific businesses that frequent similar websites; the criminals install malware on the sites, hoping to infect any businesses that visit the site.
Find Affordable Solutions
More and more companies are embracing digital transformation, which comes with obvious benefits (e.g., efficiency, productivity, convenience, etc.). But using digital tools also opens businesses up to new cyber threats. Invest in cybersecurity solutions to keep your systems, USBs, and devices safe from attacks, ultimately protecting customer payment details and other essential information.
Fortunately, there are many cost-effective solutions for small businesses. If you’re not sure where to start, research antivirus software to install on all your office devices (and any personal devices your employees use for work).
Have a Plan
You can build the most impressive digital fortress in your industry, and you’ll still be vulnerable to cyberattacks. Obviously, the more you do to safeguard company and customer data, the lower your risk of falling victim to a crippling attack.
However, you should also have a recovery plan that allows your organization to respond quickly in the event of a threat. Search online for “cyber security data protection” to learn how to establish a plan that directs your team during and after an attack. That way, you can get back to business with minimal damage.
Use VPNs
If your employees regularly access your company’s network while traveling or working from home, it’s crucial they use virtual private networks (VPNs). Public Wi-Fi is not secure, and VPNs encrypt data and mitigate the impact of a cyberattack. Incorporate VPNs as an added security layer for any employees using the Internet outside of the office.
Update Software and Patches
Another necessary step to data protection is to frequently update all of your software and patches. Many programs on PCs and laptops offer automatic updates, which you should always take advantage of. But understand that your Wi-Fi router’s firmware and other software may require manual updates.
Every time you update software, new security patches are added to safeguard your business against the most current cyber threats. Keep a log of your updates so you know when you need to run one.
Train Your Workers
Lastly, train your employees on how to prevent cyberattacks in the office (and when working remotely). Teach them how to use all their digital tools and cybersecurity software correctly, and ensure they use complex passwords and update them regularly. Furthermore, consider incorporating multi-factor authentication (MFA) into all your team members’ apps and devices.
Don’t make the mistake of neglecting your small business’s cybersecurity needs. Look for cost-effective solutions and make a recovery plan for potential attacks. Also, incorporate VPNs, regularly update company software, and train your employees on cybersecurity fundamentals. Protecting company and customer data will help you avoid devastating consequences.
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Author of this article is Cody McBride, Tech Deck
