When it comes to cyber security, you can never do too much. It’s best to have multiple layers of defense.
Below are 10 ways to keep your small business secure:
1. Understand the current climate
It’s imperative to understand that cyber security threats are here to stay.
Hackers target companies big and small, the latter of which is increasingly at risk. Data from Symantec’s 2016 Internet Security Threat Report shows that one in 40 small business are at risk of being attacked.
Hackers know small businesses may not have the resources to invest in strong security systems.
2. Encrypt all sensitive data
Data encryption is the most effective way to ensure that files remain secure. Altering information so it is rendered unreadable will safeguard your business in the event of an attack.
Consumer information should always be encrypted. If you’re just beginning encryption, be sure to start there.
3. Maintain a strong firewall
Your firewall is the first line of defense against hackers, so make it strong. It should always stay updated.
The best way to ensure this is to enable auto updates. New viruses and malware are being created daily. Updating your firewall regularly allows you to keep pace with changes in hackers’ methods.
4. Implement antivirus protection
Antivirus software is the most basic defense mechanism against malware. Check out this side-by-side comparison of the top antivirus software currently available. These come in at less than $50 — a small price to ensure your most important data stays safe.
5. Secure all laptops and mobile phones
Portable devices are much easier to hack. If your employees use laptops and mobile phones to conduct business, they should be encrypted. Encouraging employees to use strong passwords that they also change regularly is an easy step that can make a huge difference
6. Back up regularly
Having duplicate copies of your most important information saved in a separate location is very important in the event of a hack. Certain viruses and malware can corrupt your files, rendering them useless.
7. Educate employees
You shouldn’t make the assumption that employees know the basics about keeping information secure. Educate them on the importance of the little things, like updating their password regularly, only connecting to secure Wi-Fi networks and avoiding click bait. If they keep up with the small things, you can handle the bigger security needs.
8. Create a unified front
Strong standards for cyber security start at the top. If your leadership team is not committed to maintaining a secure environment, how can you expect your employees to be?
9. Have an incident response plan
It’s best to operate on the assumption that a breach will happen to your business. Having an incident response plan in place is vital.
When everyone knows what steps to take following an attack, it can be resolved all the quicker. If customer data is compromised, alert them as soon as possible.
10. Create security policy that is engrained into corporate culture
Starting at the onboarding phase, employees should be educated on the company’s security policy. This should be reinforced throughout the duration of their employment. Continued education is important for the same reason that keeping software up-to-date is: Hackers are always crafting new ways to infiltrate companies.
Vaco is a $350M consulting and strategic solutions firm that matches high-caliber technology professionals with top companies.
To learn how Vaco Arizona can help you, please email Kleine at akleine@vaco.com.
Kleine, Anthony. Fri, 30 Sept 2016. “10 Ways to Keep Your Small Business Free From Cyber Threats” BizJournals.com. Retrieved from: http://ow.ly/Xeyb304R6JW
