Collaborative Post
As a small business owner, it’s easy to overlook the threat of cyber theft while you’re tacking a thousand items on your weekly to-do list. For many people, cybercrime is something that they see on TV shows, and they couldn’t ever imagine falling victim to it. However, cybercrime is on the rise, and it is a genuine threat, particularly for small businesses.
Small businesses are easy targets for hackers and cybercriminals. Although the stolen haul might be lesser than that from a large company, smaller companies tend to have less elaborate security systems.
A cyber attack could be detrimental to a small business. What’s more, it could lead to stolen financial, personal, and bank information of their customers. Therefore, it’s essential that small businesses take appropriate security measures.
Here are seven tips for a small business to improve their cybersecurity.
Install a strong firewall
This is the first protocol when it comes to network security. A firewall creates a barrier between trusted and untrusted users on the network. This prevents unwanted and unauthorised users from accessing your private network.
Password security
Create strong, unique passwords for all business-related log-ins. Passwords should include lower and upper case letters, as well as numbers and symbols. Update your passwords every three to four months.
Install anti-virus
Anti-virus software is essential to detect and protect a business from malware, hacking and other data breaches. There are many free anti-virus software options available, but for better security, it’s recommended that you install one that offers an adequate service, regardless of price.
Secure your wi-fi connection
Wireless network protection is an absolute necessity. Your network and internet connection can be compromised if they are not secured effectively. Ensure that your connection is secured, your data is encrypted, and that it is hidden. Change the default password, and don’t share the new one with anyone.
Follow the steps on this website for a more detailed explanation: https://www.coxblue.com/how-to-secure-your-small-business-wifi-network//.
E-mail security
One of the most considerable security risks to your small business is through your e-mail.
Firstly, you should install an anti-phishing spam filter to catch any malicious e-mail scams.
Secondly, install an e-mail signature manager to reduce the possibility of your e-mails being intercepted from the network. An example of this type of manager can be found here: https://www.templafy.com/templafy-email-signature-manager/.
Use multifactor authentication
This is where the user is required to provide additional information when logging into an application or network. As well as the regular username and password, you are prompted to give further verification in order to gain access.
This extra level of security adds depth to the preventative measures that are already in place.
Back-up your data
Having back-up copies of data and critical information seems like an obvious security step. However, it is one that’s ignored by a shocking amount of small companies. It is too late to take action after cybertheft has already occurred so ensure that this is taken care of.
Small businesses are hard to keep afloat in the first place, so it’s always beneficial to have a backup plan for worst-case scenarios.
