It’s often a misconception that small businesses don’t experience cyber attacks. But unfortunately, small businesses can be a primary target for cyber threats. That is why best practices for cybersecurity must be a priority, regardless of the size of your business.
Hackers often find small businesses an easy target because they have minimal security and have a fair amount of valuable data.
Although every small business faces various cyber threats, implementing the following cybersecurity best practices can make your organization safer and more protected from potential cyber-attacks:
1. Stay Up To Date And Invest In Advanced Security Technology
One of your best defenses against cyber threats, such as malware and viruses, is to ensure that your operating systems (OS) are up to date. It’s a simple cybersecurity tactic you can do for your small business.
You may also use other tools to improve your company’s cybersecurity and prevent attacks on your systems. If you’re unsure what solutions are ideal for your company, visit https://tenecom.com/toronto-cyber-security-services/ and similar sites to get more information.
2. Install Anti-Malware Software
Many anti-malware apps are affordable. While they may not prevent your entire system from getting damaged, having some protection may come in handy to lessen the damage.
The right anti-malware software for your small business may vary depending on your needs and budget. Before investing in one, discuss the options with your team and choose the software that would benefit your business the most.
3. Use Two-Factor Authentication And Strong Passwords
A password is critical in securing your small business data and apps. To create a reliable and unique password, use a combination of symbols, numbers, and letters. Complicated passwords often prevent possible cybersecurity risks like brute-force ransomware attacks in which cyber attackers try hacking your apps or systems by guessing username-password combinations.
To further protect your company’s data and applications, consider using two-factor authentication (2FA). Aside from the usual login details, it requires employees to authenticate themselves through other security methods, such as biometrics, one-time passwords (OTP), and security questions. When appropriately implemented, 2FA can help avoid identity theft and secure your apps.
If you worry about forgetting passwords, you can store users’ passwords using a password manager or vault. This way, they don’t need to remember different passwords for multiple accounts. Instead, they only have to remember the master passwords, which may unlock other passwords.
4. Limit Employee Permissions And Access
Another best cybersecurity practice to consider is to limit employee permissions and access. It says systems, processes, and users only have access to required resources. These resources may include files, systems, and networks. For example, your regular employees may get restricted accounts while your IT team members get administrator accounts.
Enabling employees to access resources they don’t require can increase your company’s risk of theft, modification, and exploitation. Most attackers need an admin privilege to activate the malware. There are also cases in which hackers must go through different systems and users until they hit the target. By limiting employee permissions and access, your system can quickly block hackers from doing so.
If you don’t know how to restrict access or permissions, consult your IT team to implement it properly. It is especially true if your small business has senior-level and administrative job functions that require more access and permission to the company’s resources.
5. Secure Wireless Networks
If you’re using wireless networks in your workplace, ensure they’re hidden, well-encrypted, and secure. To do this, set up your company’s router or wireless access point so your networks won’t be visible.
If your small business has remote employees, they may use consumer-grade routers and internet connections. At the most basic level, changing the default passwords on the routers in the workplace is crucial. Such passwords can make your business more vulnerable to hacking.
6. Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
VPNs enable employees to securely access your company’s network when traveling or working from home. It’s necessary since employees frequently use the internet for sharing and accessing files, which isn’t as secure as your business network.
With VPNs, you can prevent potential cyber-attacks because they encrypt data. For this reason, they may act as an additional layer of security for your small business, primarily when most of your employees use a public or unsecured wireless network.
When choosing the best VPN for your small business, don’t settle with the free versions and invest in paid ones. While a free VPN can save you money, it has some limitations and fewer features. So, select the most reliable paid version if you want to enjoy the benefits of using a VPN. If necessary, check the vendor’s reputation and reviews before subscribing.
7. Back Up Data Regularly
Another important cybersecurity strategy you should always practice is backing up your data regularly. Regular data backup protects your business from losing critical data if it’s destroyed, stolen, or lost.
For instance, if attackers get into your system and delete your data, you can guarantee that you’ll still recover it. So, ensure that all your business information has a copy and use an external drive or off-site storage.
You can configure your computers to automate data backup if you often forget about data backup. You may even remind your employees to do it regularly. Depending on your preferences, you can schedule an automatic data backup daily or weekly on your computer.
AdFixus also advises using first-party data instead of third-party. Doing so will give you more control over the data you collect from your customers and decrease the chance of a data breach.
8. Limit Physical Access To Your Company’s Devices
As with access to your company’s physical assets, any unauthorized person must not gain access to scanners, laptops, computers, and other devices that your small business owns.
It may include physically safeguarding devices or adding physical trackers to recover them in case of theft or loss. If you have devices used by different employees, you can consider creating various user profiles or accounts to minimize cybersecurity risks and for additional protection.
Conclusion
Most small business owners associate cybersecurity with advanced technologies like AI-based risk assessment and threat detection. However, the best defense for cyber threats doesn’t need to be expensive.
Simple practices, including training employees about cybersecurity and using strong passwords, can effectively mitigate cyber-attacks. So, to strengthen your cybersecurity framework, follow the above cybersecurity best practices and implement them properly to get results.