Many small or medium-sized businesses mistakenly believe that they are not the targets of cyber attacks. Forbes Magazine conducted a study last year that looked into the security of small business owners. An overwhelming 87% of small business owners reported that they did not believe that they would be targeted. Unfortunately, this is not accurate. More than 50% of small businesses are targeted annually. In fact, small businesses are a great target in the eyes of hackers because they have a moderate amount of data with minimal security.
A data breach in a small company is not just a blip on the radar. It could mean the loss of money, employee details, customer data, and vendor information. Sadly, Forbes reports that approximately half of small businesses that have had a cyber attack go out of business within six months.
Knowing this, what can business leaders do to protect their company?
Employee Training
One of the best ways that owners can strengthen security is to fully train employees on what to look out for. Educate your employees on how to recognize rogue emails, red flags, and best security practices when using technology in and out of the office. Your employees are on the front lines and are usually the first to notice is something is amiss. Have trainings that cover topics such as:
- How to create strong, unique passwords for each account.
- How to set up and use two-factor authentication.
- Signs that emails are malicious.
- How to physically and digitally safeguard devices while traveling.
Regular Updates
Whether you have a large office staff or a smaller crew, software and hardware need to be updated regularly to ensure that the security protocols being used are the latest versions.
Regular Backups
Whether you back up to the cloud or an external location, always have a plan that can help in the case of a hack that destroys or deletes your current data. The fastest way back on your feet is to have a recent backup that you can refer to in the case of a cyber crime.
Limited Access
Not everyone in your office has to have access to client-sensitive data. Whenever possible, limit the number of people who can access private information. If an employee is terminated, be sure to change passwords before they have even left the building.
A Secure Wi-Fi
If your company is one that offers WiFi to clients or visitors while in your office, you may want to set up a second account so that users to not have the password and, thus, cannot access your data. A separate network where guests can still access their own devices but are separate from your client data is preferred.
Do you have questions about the security of your small business? Call M&H Consulting at 1-866 964-8324 or visit our website.
Categorised in: Computer Support, data breach, internet issues, IT Consulting Services, Security