How to Improve Your Cyber Security for Small Businesses - A Beginners Guide
According to the Boston Consulting Group, small businesses are most vulnerable to cyber threats. They’re also one of the most at-risk businesses because they don’t have the resources or staff to protect themselves from attack.
Cyber threats are the main risk for small businesses, which is why small business owners must take steps to protect themselves from attacks. Here's a quick rundown on the most common cyber threats faced by small businesses:
Phishing
Social engineering
Viruses
Malware
Theft of data
Data breaches
Data loss
There are many ways to mitigate cyber threats. For example, you should know that phishing scams often look like legitimate email correspondence and address directly to you or your company. You should also implement a security policy and ensure employees know how to identify potential phishing scams. Other methods include installing security software and monitoring your visitors while they're in your office space.
One of the first steps you should take is to get organized. Many things can happen on your computer, and what might seem like a minor issue can lead to big problems if not taken care of first.
Start by creating an online backup for your files, then create a list of items that need to be protected from hackers:
Passwords
Payment information
Social media accounts
Online banking credentials
Credit card numbers
Personal contact information
One of the first security changes you should make is installing and regularly updating your antivirus software. This will help to protect yourself from ransomware, viruses, and spyware. If you have any other type of security software installed, be sure to keep it up-to-date as well. If you are using SD-Wan, it is important to remember you might need additional security measures to keep your information secure.
You can also consider installing anti-spam software that filters inbound emails before they reach your inbox. The software will analyze messages coming into your inbox, looking for spam or phishing attempts or questionable content. The tool could also prevent malware from spreading by catching it before reaching your network or end-users.
The first step in creating a cyber policy is ensuring all staff members are on the same page. Make sure you have clear guidelines and understand the importance of security in your business.
This will help to create a strong foundation for your cyber policy, which should include several things, such as:
Notifying employees about threat actors and their actions
Make sure employees have training on how to identify malicious emails and how not to click on suspicious links
Developing an incident response plan that includes steps for mitigating damage in case an attack is successful
Of course, protecting your business doesn’t stop with a smart cyber security strategy. You should also take steps to protect your online identity.
One way to ensure your identity is protected is by using two-factor authorization (2FA). 2FA is a security measure that requires you to use a second form of identification or code when logging into an account to ensure the authenticity of your identity. Businesses can set up 2FA in an email, text message, or app.
It’s important for small businesses because they don’t have any dedicated IT staff, and they often don’t have access to sophisticated equipment or software necessary for cyber security measures.
