Starting a new business seems a challenging task, as you have to take care of the affairs including cash flow, administration, and security of sensitive information. Which requires you to think about how to protect your information from the invaders. Cyber security is a bigger concern these days for every enterprise when their sensitive data is available online without any layer of protection.
A cyberattack can result in the loss of customers and employees’ data resulting in damaging the reputation of your company. These days every firm is focusing on making money except adopting precautionary measures to secure their data. People start businesses with low capital intending to earn huge profits by spending low cost.
Cybersecurity has a reputation for being expensive and requires a dedicated department to take care of all the extra work. However, you do not have to spend tons of money for the purpose, as there are low-cost measures that a small business can adopt to ensure the information of customers and employees is safe from hackers.
Before getting straight to these protective measures, we will explain why there is a strong need to secure your business data available online
Importance of cyber security for small businesses
According to the FBI report, there are more than 5000 small businesses targeted by hackers. It is because their security setup is not up to the mark leaving loopholes. Which can become a gateway for hackers to attack even bigger organizations.
Protection of information
Your business might have important information including data on the customers and employee history. Hackers can breach your system and steal the information, which they might sell for money. This way your business is also at the risk of breaking data security rules leading to a huge fine for your organization.
Monitory Loss
Most of the data breaches revolve around stealing money from the company’s bank accounts. A weaker security system can be a passage for hackers to steal information and demand huge amounts in return. It is easier for them to target start-ups having weaker security arrangements resulting in a financial loss.
I hope that you understand why there is a requirement for security for small businesses. Therefore, you need to focus on strengthening your security system to ensure the protection of sensitive data.
Top 10 Cyber Security Tips to Keep Small Business Websites Safe
-
Set a security plan
Even your small business does not have many documents of procedures and policies. You have to spare some time and create a security plan to make sure the data is secure from malware and cyber-attacks. A well-written plan will enable the organization to understand what’s and how’s of office tech safety.
You need to start by identifying the vulnerabilities in the first place and the required steps to eliminate the risks. Ask your IT department to do an audit and ensure your network is fully protected from outside attacks.
-
Update your software
Technology has evolved rapidly transforming the mechanics of every business. As a result, companies have started using laptops, desktops, and mobile devices to run their operations and save information. Which requires you to make sure their software are fully up-to-date. Additionally, you have to keep a strong check on the software and find out flaws if there are any.
You might consider it a time-wasting activity where you have to spare some moments to update your systems. This results in people pushing the ‘remind me later’ button.
You should know most windows updates are patches on security systems. It is because when the software provider companies notice any problem they launch an update to overcome it. No updating of software also leaves your organization with threats. Cybercriminals are looking for such kind of opportunities to attack your system and hack useful data.
Therefore, run software updates continuously to reduce the risk of cyber-attacks. Moreover, dedicate a day in the week for a technology audit to make sure there is no security threat available.
-
Have a VPN
VPN is referred to as a virtual private network a cost-effective tool for stirrups who do not have enough budget to afford a dedicated network for their employees performing their duties sitting at home. Although a VPN allows workers to connect remotely to the office, and servers but it can weaken your security. When an individual accesses the company information via an open network, his act creates a weakness for the entire company.
Here you need a branded VPN and try avoiding the free available VPNs, as they can be a gateway for hackers. These days many affordable VPNs are available which can help, you secure your data from attackers.
-
Install a firewall
A firewall is a security measure for your data and monitors the incoming and outgoing traffic on the bases of the company’s security policies. When a firm installs a firewall, it creates a barrier to filtering the traffic before it accesses the network. Firewalls are available for the hardware and software as well.
You should install both to ensure extra protection of the secret information. While installation, you can set protection levels as per the requirements of your company.
-
Anti-virus software
Anti-virus software becomes essential when it comes to strengthening the cybersecurity of your organization. An anti-virus is a software program, which scans the device behind in the background to identify threats and eliminate them.
These days operating software contains built-in anti-viruses making things easy for you. However, it is also important for you to update the system for the protection of your devices. You should also apply this security tip to the personal devices of the employees.
Often the workers bring their laptops to the office for daily work. You need to check and update them with anti-virus software.
-
Set secure passwords and Protocols
Often employees set up a complicated password that is hard to remember causing frustration. They use to write it down over sticky notes on the computer or attach it to their desks. It is known as password fatigue, which wastes the time of the workers.
Try applying a common password policy for the individuals working by integrating a strong password into your cyber security policy. You can also go for the passwords that come with the company’s browser. These precautionary measures will keep your data safe from unwanted attacks.
-
Wifi-Security
Wi-Fi is an exposed point at any small business although your password is strong the risk of hacking is still there. Therefore, make sure your Wi-Fi is hidden so its name does not appear on any device. Your IT administrator can do this simple step through the router. Set a strong password along with hiding the Wi-Fi name to avoid any cyber-attack risk.
-
Separate the data from your public Domain
Business data is always important and sensitive as it includes social security numbers, addresses, names of workers/customers, and personal information. Therefore, organizations should keep these credentials separate from the public domain.
Companies can do it by maintaining a dedicated database server for this information. However, there is another way of doing this, which includes the use of encrypted keys and passwords. Additionally, the company should allow limited personnel to access such information.
-
Educate the workers on cybersecurity
Conduct training and seminars to literate your employees about the purpose and importance of cyber security. It will help them to identify the reasons for adhering to the best practices of security. Moreover, you can add it into the company standard operating procedures to ensure every worker is aware of the matter.
-
Avoid mixing work and pleasure
Small companies often allow their employees to use social media during working hours. On the other hand, some companies forbid doing that. Companies should advise their workers not to use the same device for work and social activities. Ask them not to keep business data on their mobile or laptop they share with family. Doing that will only expose sensitive information to risks.
You Might Also Like to Read: How Blockchain Restores Data Management Systems
Ending notes
The risk of cyber-attack has increased over time resulting in a security breach risk for small companies. However, it requires huge investment and a skilled workforce to combat the problems. However, with the above-mentioned tips, every small business can keep its information secure from cyber criminals.
For Special discounts and offers, visit our official Facebook Page.
