5 Cybersecurity Tips to Keep Your Small Business Safe
Approximately 43 percent of cyber attacks target small companies. Even sadder news is that 60 percent of these small company victims go out of business within six months after their attack.
Cyber-attacks can impact small business security in so many ways if owners aren’t aware of the safeguards available to protect themselves.
If you’re starting a small business, check out these helpful cybersecurity tips to help promote company security. With protections in place, you’ll be able to protect your enterprise for years to come.
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity means protecting your business’s data and online systems from cyber-attacks. This protection includes safeguarding any desktop computers or mobile devices that you and your employees use.
Data protection is also central to cybersecurity. A hacker often tries to access your customers’ credit information or other sensitive data. These threats might also erase your company’s historic banking files.
Cyber threats can target the company’s owner, specific employees, or types of clients. Some attacks demand payment. One attack on your company’s confidential data has the power to bring your company’s operations to a quick halt.
Top Five Cybersecurity Tips to Protect Your Company
Here are just five helpful cybersecurity tips you can put in place to safeguard your company. Use these tips and your company will be able to meet these threats head-on.
1. Consult Cybersecurity Resources
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) offers a free Cybersecurity Planning Guide for companies to use. This guide has planning templates that both small and large companies can use to develop their cybersecurity policies that meet their company’s needs.
You can also solicit help from professional entities as well. For example, the professionals at Ferroque Systems provide advisory services to clients to build security on enterprise IT systems.
2. Draft Your Cybersecurity Plan
A cybersecurity plan is a roadmap that outlines your strategies for protecting your company against cyber threats. The plan tells employees what their obligations are for protecting the company’s data from threats such as phishing or ransomware.
3. Train Your Staff
Train your staff on the value of protecting your business’ sensitive data assets. Coach them on the role they can play to fight off cyber threats. Be sure that they all understand what role they can play in protecting your company’s online records.
One training source comes from the National Initiative for Cyber Security Careers and Studies (NICCS.) NICCS is a division within the Department of Homeland Security. Leveraging this training resource can educate your team on the world of cybersecurity threats
4. Unique Passwords and Login Authentications
Each employee should have their own strong password. Any other login authentication they might use should also be unique. Instruct your employees to change their passwords every two to three months.
5. Install Current Software on All Devices
Be sure to install current versions of security software on your devices and online browsers used throughout your company. Current software versions will help protect your company from malware and other viruses.
Next Steps
Download the planning guide from the FCC. This resource can help you get started writing a cyber security plan. Check to see that your company’s mobile devices and laptops have current versions of security software.
For more helpful cybersecurity tips, don’t forget to check out our website. Don’t become tomorrow’s next cyber-attack victim.
