In this digital era, every business uses technology to collect, store, and manage their customer’s data, making it easily susceptible to cybercrimes. Small businesses are at more risk of cyber-attacks due to low levels of security infrastructure. Hence, keeping your small business protected from cybercrimes should be your foremost priority.
Here are some crucial cybersecurity tips to help your small business stay safe against online cyber-attacks:
- Install a Firewall
A firewall is a network security device (hardware/software-based) that prevents unauthorized access to your company’s network. A software firewall oversees your network’s incoming and outgoing traffic to permit or deny communications/access based on your existing security policies. A hardware firewall helps protects your office devices on the same network, even if they don’t have a software firewall. However, it cannot protect the devices of the remote workers, so they may need to install a software firewall on the devices they use for work.
- Protect Your Devices Against Malware, Spyware, and Viruses
Any device connected to the internet is prone to viruses and spyware. Therefore, ensure to have anti-virus protection on every computer used for business purposes, including those used by your remote workers. Run regular checks to detect any malicious activities and set the software to update automatically to enjoy enhanced security features.
- Keep Your Mobile Devices Safe
If you use your mobile phones to log into your business accounts or streamline service requests, keep them safe against threats, especially when you are on a public network connection. Use a VPN (virtual private network) to access your business accounts through password-free (open) Wi-Fi connections. Otherwise, have a separate mobile phone for office use, so you won’t be shuffling your business data with personal accounts, mitigating the odds of hacking.
- Don’t Read/Open Phishing Emails
One way that businesses easily fall for a cyber-attack is via opening emails, clicking links, or downloading attachments coming from unfamiliar or suspicious sources. Cybercriminals send such emails to either hack your information or introduce malware into your devices, so don’t react to suspicious emails.
- Set Robust Passwords
Most data breaches are due to weak/reused passwords. That’s why you should have strong passwords on all your business devices and accounts that include sensitive information. Also, make sure to use multi-factor verification whenever possible and change passwords regularly.
- Update and Backup Everything Regularly
Regularly update your operating system and software programs and back up crucial business data at least once a week or daily, depending on how often you collect data. You can either store your data on the cloud or on an external hard drive that’s not connected to a network.
- Devise an Action Plan
You must create a plan that specifies the security policies, procedures, and controls required to protect the company against cyber threats while outlining specific measures to be taken to respond to a breach. Document your plan in writing and send it to all your employees via email and post it in a common area. Check and update your action plan every few months.
Protect Your Small Business with Cyber Insurance
While implementing cybersecurity measures, having cyber insurance is crucial to protect your business against losses resulting from unfortunate data breaches and cyber-attacks. Contact us today at McCarty Insurance Agency for personalized cyber insurance at an affordable rate.
Leave A Comment