“Cybersecurity dominates news cycles as breaches plague governments and businesses. With escalating costs, all businesses must craft continuity and response plans. Cybercriminals target not only large enterprises but also smaller ones, seen as easier prey. Given the devastating impact of network breaches, proactive protection for networks and devices is imperative for every business.”
Small business cybersecurity tips are increasingly acknowledged as vital in the modern business landscape. Many small businesses recognize cybersecurity as a serious concern, yet the question remains: are they actively implementing measures to prevent attacks? While technology streamlines operations for business owners, it also exposes them and their customers to increased vulnerability. By 2019, cybercrime’s global cost is projected to hit $2 trillion, tripling from 2015, with small businesses particularly susceptible. Limited budgets often render small firms easy targets for cybercriminals, compounded by inadequate system updates and insufficient employee training in defense strategies.
If you’re a small business owner who thinks that you don’t need to worry about cybersecurity, think again. The Ponemon Institute’s 2016 State of SMB Cybersecurity record surveyed 600 small businesses, finding not only that “no business is exempt to a cyber attack or data breach,” but that a surprisingly high number of small businesses suffered cyber attacks in 2016.
According to Ponemon:
- 50% of SMBs were breached in 2016.
- The most prevailing attacks against SMBs were web-based and phishing/social engineering.
- 59% of SMBs have no visibility into employee password practices and regimen.
- 65% of SMBs that have a password policy does not strictly enforce it.
If you own a small business, it is likely you understand the importance of cybersecurity. There are many steps your business can take to help stay safe on the internet. Below, we will cover
13 ways your small business can improve their cybersecurity
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Conduct a security check Annually:
A security advisor should be brought in every year to determine if there are any malfunctions in your system. It is like they will guide you with new technologies that your business should implement in. This is the major step to follow for any small business in order to overcome the vulnerable.
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Perform security standards Immediately:
When you initialize your business, it is important to implement a strong password procedure which can save you from many headaches later on. The best approach is to find a password policy that your company can use throughout and then consistently maintain it for every user.
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Talk with employees about cybersecurity:
Your business is only as strong as your flaccid link. It only takes one employee losing their phone or laptop to put your business at risk. Have an etiquette to follow by every employee to keep their systems safe always.
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Assure to follow the plan:
Make sure that every employee is implementing the plan of password policy that you brought in. Else, the time and effort you put into it are wasted.
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Introduce two-factor Authentication:
Accounts for the business are important, so enable two-factor authentication for the entire team. So this extra step is important, even it isn’t foolproof.
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Password Management Utility:
Password Management app helps the small business to strengthen substantially. This password management app can take advantage of passwords that are easy to remember but hard to hack by centralizing the password process.
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Stay Updated with security issues and vulnerabilities:
It is important to stay up-to-date about potential security threats, regulations, compliance and solutions for the security of your business. Taking the time to educate yourself is a well worth effort when it comes to cybersecurity.
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Automatic updating of systems:
Automatic updating of systems will reduce all type of cybersecurity attacks. Simply updating their systems regularly could have avoided the attacks if the business had been proactive in defending against them.
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Have a plan of action for issues with mobile devices:
To help protect the business data that often occurs on public networks, employers should require employees to install security apps and encrypt the data.
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Secure Wi-Fi Network:
If you have Wi-Fi network make sure to protect the router with a password. It is important to make it secure by encrypting and hiding it. You need to set up your router access point, so the network name is not broadcasted.
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Use a Firewall:
Installing a firewall will greatly increase your cybersecurity. To keep the third parties from taking over your system by using good anti-virus on your system and malware software.
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Back up Data:
Unless you are willing to lose data at once, it is crucial to backup all your data that will save the time and money. There are many programs that can back up your data daily or weekly.
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Always stay on top of cybersecurity:
Unfortunately, many businesses become smug when it comes to cybersecurity. Stay connected to better secure ways for your business online.
Small business cybersecurity tips are essential for ensuring the smooth operation and success of your business in today’s digital landscape. If you’re looking to establish a robust cybersecurity framework for your business or need assistance in fortifying your current defenses, reach out to us today. We specialize in providing tailored solutions to safeguard your business against cyber threats. Don’t wait until it’s too late – prioritize your business’s security with expert guidance and support. Krify. We can help protect you from threats your business may face online. Do contact us today.
