Small Businesses and Cyber Security

No matter the size of your business, it's important to invest in some kind of cyber security to keep your data safe against potential cyber-attacks. Not only should you be concerned with keeping your business data protected, but you should also be doing everything you can to make sure your client and customer data is kept private.

Some small businesses might have budget constraints that may hold them back from hiring professional cybersecurity companies, so some of them need to be able to take cybersecurity into their own hands if they're capable. While we would always suggest protecting your company with a managed service provider (MSP), we've come up with a little guide to help you protect your small business from cyber-attacks.

1. Train your employees in basic security principles.

The best precaution is to establish basic security practices among your employees. Policies that should be followed include the creation of strong passwords (we recommend a minimum of 8 characters, with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols), appropriate internet usage, and the proper handling of customer information. It may sound harsh, but there should be penalties enforced if employees violate cybersecurity policies to ensure maximum safety.

2. Keep all company devices clean.

Most cybersecurity breaches happen when devices and software aren't properly maintained. The best way to stop these attacks is by making sure your devices have the latest updates installed, especially for web browsers, operating systems, and antivirus software. These are the best solutions when it comes to preventing the possibility of malware or other online threats if you're not getting services from professional cybersecurity companies.

3. Secure wifi networks.

Another great way to keep your data secure from online threats is by making sure your wifi network is secure. This involves more than just setting up a password - you need to make sure the connection is secure, encrypted, and hidden.

Hiding your wifi network will require you to set up your wireless access point (your router), so it doesn't broadcast an SSID (the network's name). You should also make sure that the router itself is password-protected!

4. Limit employee access to data, and limit authority to install software.

Not everyone needs access to everything; only what they need to fulfil their duties. Making sure employees only have access to the data they need is a simple but super-effective way of preventing breach points because if someone with access to not very much data gets breached, you aren't risking your entire set of data.

Employees should also need permission to install any software onto their devices, to avoid the accidental download and installation of malicious software. We enforce a standard-user policy with our customers; no one has admin privileges and we have a list of pre-approved software that changes between companies. This is a great way to make sure nothing is installed under the radar and stops the threat of accidental installation of malicious software.

5. Set up a firewall.

Firewalls are programs that stop outsiders from accessing data on a private network. It's important for your business to install or enable an operating system's firewall, and to make sure that any employees working from home turn on their system's firewall.

Cybersecurity companies are ultimately the best way to ensure the security of your company and client data, but of course, we understand that sometimes you might need alternative methods if you're just starting up.

If your company is growing and you want to make sure you're meeting at least minimum cyber security standards, book a free call with us.