In today’s digital age, cyber threats are an ever-present danger, especially for small businesses. While large corporations often dominate the headlines when breaches occur, small businesses are increasingly becoming prime targets.
This is because they often lack the robust security measures that larger companies have, making them easier to infiltrate. As a small business owner, manager, or CEO, it’s crucial to understand the importance of cyber security and take proactive steps to protect your business.
Here are the top 10 cyber security tips to keep your business safe:
Educate Your Employees
Your team is your first line of defense against cyber threats. Ensure all employees know the potential risks and are trained to recognize phishing emails, suspicious links, and other common cyber threats.
Regular training sessions can keep everyone updated on the latest tactics used by cybercriminals. Resources for this material are available on YouTube and various formal training sites like Udemy. It does not have to be formal or authorized training. I doubt such a thing exists!
You may want to conduct a “Lunch and Learn” and invite your employees in for lunch while you have an informal presentation and discussion around security awareness. It is important to make it fun and interesting.
Look for “Teachable Moments” that employees can take home and use personally.
Implement Strong Password Policies
Weak passwords are a significant vulnerability. Enforce strong password policies that require employees to create complex passwords and change them regularly. Consider using a password manager to generate and store passwords securely. A couple of common ones would be Keeper and 1Password.
Utilize Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring not just a password but also a second form of verification. This could be a text message code, a fingerprint, or a mobile app verification. 2FA can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Perform Regular Software Updates
Ensure that all software, including operating systems, applications, and antivirus programs, are regularly updated. Software updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals could exploit.
Automate this where possible. If you take inventory of your assets, then you should be able to quickly document when these assets should normally expect releases or updates.
This information can be used to create a monthly, quarterly, or annual check to ensure everything stays current.
Backup Your Data Regularly
Regular data backups are essential. In a cyber attack, such as ransomware, having a recent backup can save your business. Store backups in a secure, off-site location. Test backups periodically to ensure they can be restored successfully.
One common strategy that companies follow for backups is the 3-2-1 Strategy. It consists of maintaining 3 copies of Data (the original and at least two copies), using 2 different media types for storage, and keeping 1 copy offsite to prevent the possibility of data loss due to a site-specific failure (like a fire).
Install and Maintain Antivirus Software
Reliable antivirus software is a crucial component of your cyber security strategy. It helps protect your systems from malware, spyware, and other malicious attacks. Ensure that your antivirus software is always up-to-date.
It is also very important to ensure the alerting is working properly. It may detect malware, but some users will ignore the onscreen warnings.
It is important to ensure that alerts are seen by more than one person for oversight. If you see an employee ignoring these warnings, it may be a good time for another security awareness lunch and learn!
Secure Your Wi-Fi Networks
Your business’s Wi-Fi network should be secure, encrypted, and hidden. Change default passwords and SSIDs (network names), and use a strong password for access. Consider setting up a separate network for guests to prevent unauthorized access to your main business network.
Do not allow users to plug their own wifi routers into your network. Keep the network tightly secured and set up alerts for any rogue access points.
Implement a Firewall
A firewall acts as a barrier between your network and the internet, monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic to block harmful data. Ensure your firewall is enabled and properly configured to protect against cyber threats.
Today, you will be forced to change the default password when you first log in but make sure this is done regardless. There are sites like Shodan.io that will search for internet-connected devices that keep their default settings (including usernames and passwords). These are posted on their site for all to see.
Develop a Cyber Security Policy
Create a comprehensive cyber security policy that outlines the protocols and procedures for managing and protecting your business’s data. This policy should cover acceptable use of technology, data protection guidelines, incident response plans, and more.
This policy holds the documented decisions of the organization that address the risks assessed by leadership. It is often referred to as an Information Security Policy. The name of the policy isn’t important as long as the employees understand its purpose and how to access it.
It is important that you document accurately how the company addresses these controls in the policy. It is very important to make sure that the company continues to follow the policy throughout the year. Any changes should trigger and update to the policy. Regularly review and update this policy to adapt to new threats.
Conduct Regular Security Audits
Perform regular security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in your systems. Consider hiring a professional cybersecurity expert to conduct these audits and provide recommendations for improving your security posture.
It is always a good idea to get a third-party perspective. Most should have plenty of real-world experience to pull from, and they would be a valuable asset to any company.
Conclusion
Cyber security is not just a concern for large corporations; small businesses are equally at risk. By implementing these top 10 cyber security tips, you can protect your business from potential cyber threats and ensure the safety of your data.
Remember, the cost of a cyber attack can be devastating, but with the right precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk and keep your business secure. Invest in cyber security today to safeguard your business’s future.