“Infographic created by Donnelley Financial Solutions”.
In this era of technology, cyber security is one of the critical problems nowadays not only to individuals but to small businesses as well. Every passing day comes with more hazardous and modern cybersecurity threats that increase the chances of getting personal and sensitive data in wrong hands. Whether you are a small business or running your operations at a large scale, it can be the right time for you to take preliminary steps to protect yourself from being targeted by hackers and cyber criminals. Have a look on following security tips to improve cybersecurity for your small business to prevent cyber-attacks and threats.
Know the basics
You should know that where your business data and information is situated either on business website or on cloud storage solution. Who is the responsible to take care of that data and how it can be accessed when needed. By knowing the basis, you will be able to implement appropriate techniques and ways to keep it away from hackers and criminals. If a big part of your business data is available on business website then make sure you have better website security arrangements in order to prevent cyber-attacks.
Keep tabs on your system’s weaknesses
Identify the weaknesses of system you are using to protect your business from cybersecurity attacks by keeping an eye on security features and solutions offered by systems available in market. If they are offering more and reliable features than the system you are using, you should invest in a better security option to keep your business data and information safe. However, if you can fix the issues in your current security system without spending a lot of bucks, then you should do that in order to save business money for other productive operations.
Terminate the accounts you are not using
Whether it is a bank account, online or social media account associated with your business name, you should terminate quickly in order to prevent criminals access your details. If there is an account of a retired employee on the business website, you should also remove that account as they can steal business information and details to harm your reputation in the market. Removing all your old and useless accounts & logins can be a good start to improve cyber security of your small business.
Give access to authorized employees
Installing a firewall to maintain foolproof network security is a great thing but what should be done to improve internal security as some corrupt employees can steal business data to harm you? You should give access to business data and information only to authorized employees. Restricting the access to sensitive business information and data can be one of the best ways to improve cybersecurity for your business.
Set a BYOD policy
There must be strict rules when most of your employees work from home by using their personal devices or computers. You can do it greatly by establishing and implementing a BYOD (bring your own device) policy ask the management for some extra devices that can be used for work from home purpose. After that, you should keep a proper check on those devices and also install antiviruses and firewall for advanced threat protection.
Establish a cyber-security policy
The policy for improved cyber-security will make sure that all employees and workers know that what is expected and how to respond or deal with a cyber-security attack to keep business information and data safe. The policy may also include that how employees can use, alter or transfer the sensitive business data and information for the sake of business. There must be some authorized officials to keep an eye on employees to check whether they are following the policy while accessing the business data or not.
Educate your employees
Let your employees know that why the cyber security is vital for the success and how they can play a vital role in maintaining the infallible security for the business. Also train them about the possible cybersecurity threats and precautions that they can make use of to keep business information and data safe while managing different business operations and processes. You can also plan monthly employee meetings or training sessions to educate them about cybersecurity and ways to improve cybersecurity for small business.
Back up your data regularly
If something unforeseen happens even after taking the essential steps for improved security, regularly backed up business data can help you keep business operations running smoothly without facing troubles. So always back your business data up by using a reliable cloud storage solution or any other way.
