You’ve worked hard to turn your dreams into reality. Don’t make the ignorant mistake of thinking a cyber attack won’t happen to you. Following these simple steps can make all the difference when it comes to your business's data integrity!
- Understand The Implications of Cyber Threats
Many small business owners mistakenly think their organizations are not targets for cyber attackers. While the massive cyber attacks against major corporations and banks make the national news, smaller incidents that hit vulnerable small businesses rarely get the same attention. This gives small business owners a false sense of security.
Some commons cyber threats to look out for are:
- Phishing - Often posing as a trusted official, these hackers will send a message to employees and try to get them to provide sensitive information or click on a link.
- Malware - This can be put on devices through downloading a suspicious attachment or clicking on a unsecure website.
- Ransomware - This is a type of malware that can lead to a scammer getting your company’s data, and in return they will demand payment for you to get it back.
- Implement Strong Password Policies
Things as simple as weak employee passwords can be a huge problem when a business is the victim of a cyber attack. Owners need to implement comprehensive guidelines for password creation and computer use. It’s beneficial to set strict requirements for employee passwords. This includes having a time limit for how long the password is valid - typically for around three to six months. Some businesses might consider implementing a multi-step authentication system as an extra layer of security. Your Wi-Fi network should also have a strong password. It should be secure, hidden and encrypted.
- Educate Employees on Cybersecurity
All too often, security threats come from within, and are the result of careless employees or a lack of effective cybersecurity policies. Forcing employees to use secure passwords that are updated regularly is part of the equation for effective digital security, but it's just a small facet. Every computer on the network needs to be updated with the most current software and security features. This may represent a significant effort that requires small business owners to employ a dedicated IT staff, but the effort will be worth it if it protects sensitive information.
In addition, conduct regular training for your employees on how to deal with the different cybersecurity threats. Consider running a contest where employees can spot phishing attempts, and reward those who correctly identify them. Have a specific place to report suspected scam messages so your business can learn about the threats it’s facing.
- Limit Access to Sensitive Information
Granting all employees access to all systems can be dangerous, especially if the information falls into the wrong hands. Consider dividing up access among trusted employees, making sure no one person has access to everything. The information they have access to should be based on what they need specifically to perform their own job.
It's also a good idea to make sure that software can only be installed with permission. Only trusted IT and other key employees should be allowed to install software and do other administrative tasks. Limiting physical access to these systems is also a good idea. If your business has laptops that employees use, be sure they are locked up when not in use.
- Secure Mobile Devices and Remote Work
Mobile devices are more important to computing than ever, but they introduce new security threats for employers. These devices can easily be misplaced and can offer scammers an easy route into company data. Businesses that allow employees to access company databases through mobile devices should create an action plan for securing data. There should be a strict policy on what can and can not be on an employee's mobile device. This plan should include actions that must be taken when a device goes missing or is stolen.
In addition to securing personal devices, businesses should have a clear remote work policy. Emphasize the importance of using a secure network and establish guidelines on acceptable work locations to prevent employees from using risky public Wi-Fi.
