If you’re running a small business or a start-up, IT and cybersecurity might not be the first thing on your mind. But in today’s digital world, it’s crucial to think about protecting your business from cyber threats early on. Here’s why it matters and some easy steps you can take to keep your business safe.
The Real Risk of Cyber Attacks
You might think your business is too small to be targeted by hackers, but that’s not the case. Cybercriminals often go after small businesses because they know security is almost always weaker. A single cyberattack can cost you a lot of money, damage your reputation, and even put you out of business.
Simple and Affordable Security Measures
The good news is, you don’t need to break the bank to secure your business. Here are some straightforward and cost-effective steps you can take:
- Data Backups: Regularly back up your data using local and cloud backup solutions. This ensures that you can recover your information quickly in case of a cyberattack, system failure, or other data loss incidents. Your IT team should utilize a backup strategy that fits your business in a way that ensures your business can still operate if your main data storage isn’t accessible. They should also ensure data backups are encrypted and secure so your precious company data won’t get fall into the wrong hands.
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Email Security Filtering: Many statistics show that about 90% of all cyber attacks start from a phishing email. Email security filtering technology is designed to intercept all incoming and outgoing email between your email provider (such as M365 or Google). This technology scans all emails to ensure that users never have the opportunity to click or download malicious content in the first place. As a benefit, it can also block those annoying spam emails!
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Password Management: Weak passwords are a big security risk. Use a password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden to create and store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. Password management not only makes sure users are using strong and unguessable passwords, but also adds convenience because users only need to remember ONE strong password to unlock their password vault.
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Website Security Configurations and Scanning: Ensure your website is secure by asking your IT provider to implement website monitoring and security scanning tools. They can scan your site for vulnerabilities and help you fix them. This can help bring peace of mind knowing you’ll catch any vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
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Automatic Updating to Software/OS’s: Keep your software and operating systems up to date. Many updates include security patches that protect against new threats. Your IT provider should be able to automate this process in a way that doesn’t affect the productivity of your team.
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EDR/Endpoint Protection: Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools is powerful software that run on each computer and server. It can help protect your devices from malware and other threats. This type of software should be configured to automatically block any malicious files before infecting your devices. Your IT team should get alerted when this software detects anything malicious and respond quickly to ensure your company devices are proactively managed.
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Network Monitoring: Use network monitoring tools should be used to keep an eye on your network for any unusual activity such as unauthorized network scanning and malicious devices connecting to your network.
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VPN Services: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) service can secure your internet connection, especially when using public Wi-Fi, making it harder for hackers to intercept your data.
Building Trust and Ensuring Continuity
Investing in these security measures not only protects your business but also builds trust with your customers. People want to know their information is safe with you. Plus, good cybersecurity helps ensure your business keeps running smoothly, even if there’s an attempted cyberattack.
The Cost of Ignoring Cybersecurity
Ignoring cybersecurity can be much more expensive in the long run. The costs of recovering from an attack, losing customer trust, and potential legal issues from data breaches can be devastating for a small business. By taking proactive steps now, you’re investing in the future security and success of your business.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity might seem complicated, but it’s essential and more manageable than you might think. By starting with these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks and protect your business. Don’t wait until it’s too late—start securing your business today.
Reach out for a free gap assessment so you can start understanding and implementing the right solutions for your business!