How to Protect Your Small Business from Cyber Attacks
Small businesses have plenty to worry about and often overlook Cyber Attacks when they can’t afford to, this post will help protect your small business.
Small businesses are three times more likely to be attacked by cyber criminals according to Forbes. The reasons for this are many but at the top is the fact that criminals believe small businesses to have lower security, making them much easier to hack. If you currently run a small business, it’s vital that you are aware of the things you can do to keep your customer base protected by securing their info.
In this article, we’ll provide some tips that will help you to protect your small business from cyberattacks.
1. Have a Plan
A systematic approach to security is key if you want to prevent the worst from happening. To start, you need to create a small business security plan. As part of this, you should review your skills and knowledge – and that of any employees you have – and determine whether you need any outside help. Determining the main threats and risks to your company is key, and sometimes it takes an outsider to be able to come up with a plan that will keep your company protected.
2. Prevent Disasters Before They Happen
With a plan in place, your next step is to prevent disasters before they happen. You can do this by implementing procedures to detect and respond to security threats. Some of the more simple things you can do include installing antivirus software on all of your devices and keeping your browsers and software up to date. You may also want to create policies regarding how and when updates should be installed. Furthermore, you can also use access lists, proxies and firewalls to block access to external network attacks.
3. Consider Physical Threats
While online threats are the most common, it makes sense to consider the physical threats to your small business too. These are threats that come from employees and contractors working for your business, as well as anyone who visits the premises. It is a good idea to limit access to systems, information and IT equipment, and you may also want to limit or fully restrict the use of removable media such as USB sticks and CDs. This not only helps prevent information from being leaked but also helps prevent malware infecting your systems accidentally.
4. Install a Cyber Culture
The weakest link when it comes to cyber security are, unfortunately, people. So, it makes sense to educate your employees and contractors on the importance of it and how to prevent threats. Portray a strong cyber culture from the top of your business down for the best results.
5. Don’t Neglect Insurance
Finally, no business today should be without insurance. Whether you operate in Florida or New York, it makes sense to have a fully comprehensive business insurance package that will help support you should a cyberattack happen. This is something that no business should ignore, so it pays to check the terms of your current insurance package and seek a new provider if cyber coverage isn’t included.
Hopefully with the tips above, your business will be much better poised to face cyberattacks in the future.
