8 Cyber Security Tips for Small Businesses
Experts predict the cyber security industry will be worth more than $500 billion by 2030. If you run a business, cyber security is a key concern that you simply can’t ignore in the modern era.
But what are the best cyber security tips that can help keep your company safe from cyber attacks? Suffering a cyber security breach can have catastrophic consequences for your business, and you’ll want to do everything you can to protect your network, systems, and programs. While new cyber threats emerge every day, there are 8 strategies you can use to develop a strong cyber security plan.
Keep reading to learn more.
1. Keep Your Software Updated
Many types of software update automatically, and this means you don’t have to perform any manual tasks to keep it working at an optimal level. However, this is not always the case, and you need to be aware if any of your software requires a prompt to update to the latest version. You can then set calendar reminders to alert you when it’s time to take action.
By keeping your software at the cutting edge, you can repel new and emerging cyber threats.
2. Train Your Employees
Your employees play a crucial role in your cyber defense policy. If staff members don’t know how to identify and prevent cyber attacks, this could leave your company vulnerable. Therefore, you should have regular training sessions to make employees aware of the latest cyber threats and the best security practices.
The types of topics to cover should include how to recognize phishing attacks, how to choose a secure password, and looking after IT equipment that staff members may take home. It can also help to make this information available online, allowing your employees to refresh their memories when required.
3. Use Anti-Virus Software
You may not be aware there is a virus in your system until the damage is done. Viruses could even lurk undetected in your network for a long period without you noticing. But, anti-virus software can detect and block the threat before it becomes a problem.
Although there may be a cost for quality anti-virus software, it could pay for itself many times over.
4. Protect Your Wi-Fi Networks
If a cybercriminal was to hack into your Wi-Fi network, they could gain access to your company’s data, including client details. To reduce the risk of this occurring, you should set a strong Wi-Fi password, and ensure your router’s name isn’t the same as the name of your business.
It’s also vital to use the latest encryption protocol, and to check that you recognize the devices that are on your Wi-Fi network.
5. Keep Track of Company Laptops and Mobile Phones
Some of your employees probably already take company laptops and mobile phones with them when they leave the office. They may keep them in a safe place and take care not to leave these devices unattended in public places. But, staff members also need to know that they can access your business’s work systems remotely in a safe manner.
It’s vital that you provide employees with the ability to log in safely, and you can allow them to get secure access by using a Zero Trust-based Application Access Gateway.
This will protect your systems while allowing staff to work seamlessly across a range of devices, networks, and locations.
6. Securely Backup Your Data
Part of your digital protection plan should include backing up your data frequently. You can also perform this task in real time if necessary. While you can use a server in your office to store your data, you may prefer to use a cloud-based system.
A third-party provider will store your data on a remote server, keeping it safe in case there is a breach of your network. This storage method also keeps your data secure should there be a burglary or an act of vandalism at your office location.
7. Limit Employee Access to Your Systems
You trust your employees, but this doesn’t mean every person should have access to every part of your network. For example, only authorized staff members should have access to your IT security programs. This means only personnel that work on your security measures will be able to log in to that part of your system.
It’s a good idea to have an electronic log that records who accesses your system and when this happens. Should there be an issue, you can then find out who was on your network at the time.
8. Perform Regular Digital Security Risk Assessments
While you may be happy with your digital security measures right now, this could change in the future. Rather than waiting until a hacker breaches your network, it’s best to be proactive and regularly assess your cyber security defenses.
This can help you stay ahead of cyber attackers and keep your company’s data secure.
Create a Robust Cyber Security Plan For Your Business
Having an effective cyber security plan is essential for any small business. To reduce the risk of your company suffering a cyber attack, you should provide relevant training to your employees and invest in cyber security software. It’s also important to routinely back up your data, and to carry out in-depth risk assessments.
This multi-pronged approach can help you identify any weaknesses in your cyber attack defenses and stay ahead of cybercriminals.
If you’ve found this cyber security post helpful, check out more of our excellent blog posts.
