Small businesses are up against big challenges when it comes to keeping their information safe.
They don’t always have a lot of money or fancy security, so they can be sitting ducks for cybercriminals who want to swipe information, mess things up, or lock up their computers and demand money.
But don’t worry, there are things every small business can do to make themselves much safer.
In this article, we’re going to give you some straightforward advice and smart moves to help your small business fight off the newest online dangers.
The Top 10 Cybersecurity Tips for Your Small Business
Things like using stronger passwords and making sure your software is always up-to-date can make a big difference.
These simple steps can go a long way in protecting your company’s sensitive information and keeping your business running smoothly, no matter what online threats come up.
So while budgets and resources may be more limited, awareness is the number one step you can take to protect your small business.
Read the top 10 cybersecurity tips and make sure you act on them.
1. Teach Your Staff:
Start by showing your team the ropes on simple ways to stay safe online.
Show them how to spot fake emails trying to trick them, how to make good, hard-to-guess passwords, and the right way to let someone know if they see anything fishy.
It’s a good idea to always remember that human error and employees are actually the top security threat – whether willingly or unwillingly (and usually, it’s unwillingly).
When everyone knows the basics of staying safe on the internet, they become your frontline protectors against online attacks.
2. Make Password Policies Stricter
Make sure everyone uses strong, different passwords for all their accounts.
And if you can, add extra steps beyond just the password to log in, like two-factor authentication.
Remind your team to change their passwords often. Using a password manager can make this easier for them.
Strong passwords typically have the following characteristics:
- Long (at least 12 characters);
- Contain a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols;
- Avoid common words, phrases, or personal information;
- Are unique for each account;
- Are changed regularly (e.g., every 3-6 months).
3. Update Your Software:
Make sure to regularly update all your programs and your computer’s operating system with the newest security fixes.
This helps close any holes that hackers could use to break into your system.
4. Protect Your Data:
Be sure to regularly back up your important files; save copies on an external drive at the office or use a cloud storage service.
That way, if something happens to your computer, like a hacker getting in or you accidentally losing data, you can easily get back to work without losing too much time.
5. Protect Your Wi-Fi
Make sure your company’s Wi-Fi is locked down tight. Use strong passwords and encryption to keep it secure.
You might also want to set up a separate network just for guests, so they can’t get into your main systems and data.
6. Manage Access to Private Info
Only let the people who really need to see your private information have access to it.
Keep a close eye on who has permission, and update it when needed. You don’t want that sensitive data falling into the wrong hands.
7. Get Good Cybersecurity Protection:
Think about putting money into good cybersecurity protection like firewalls, antivirus programs, and systems that spot hackers. They help quickly identify and shut down any attacks as they happen.
Some key cybersecurity steps to take:
- Use a reputable firewall to block unauthorized access;
- Install reliable antivirus/anti-malware software;
- Employ tools that can detect and prevent hacking attempts;
- Use a VPN to encrypt internet traffic (read more here);
- Keep all software and systems up-to-date with the latest security patches;
- Regularly back up important data in case of a security breach.
8. Keep an Eye Out for Anything Unusual:
Set up systems that keep watch over your network and computers to catch any strange behavior.
This way, if you spot anything that doesn’t look right, you can deal with it quickly before it turns into a big security problem.
9. Prepare for Emergencies:
Get a plan ready for those just-in-case moments when things go wrong with cyber security.
Make a list of clear, easy steps to follow if an attack happens. Know who you need to call, what you should do to stop it from spreading, and how to get your computer systems and information back in order.
10. Keep Up and Make Changes:
Cyber threats keep changing, and it’s important to keep up with what’s new in the world of online security.
Always be ready to improve your security and change your plans to deal with new risks.
By using these security tips, small businesses can make sure they are better protected against online threats and keep their important digital information safe.
Don’t forget, dealing with cyber security is a continuous process and it’s up to everyone in the business to stay alert and dedicated.