43% of cyber attacks target small businesses. 60% of the victims go out of business in six months.
Their proficiency at protecting themselves from these attacks varies widely. 14% say they have methods in place to stop them. 47% have no idea how or even knew that a cyberattack could cost money.
Read on for five helpful cybersecurity tips for small businesses.
1. Perform an Audit
Finding weaknesses in your business security systems lets you stop issues before they happen. Do the same by looking for blind spots in your cybersecurity during an audit.
Where is your information stored? How it is accessed, and by whom? Is it too easy to access?
Keep detailed records of any weaknesses and repeat the process every few months. This will help you keep up with any new threats. Professional audits are even better.
2. Train Your Employees
88% of all data breaches are caused by human error. 45% of phishing scams start with a distracted victim, and 57% of remote workers admit that they’re more distracted than they are at the office.
Proper cybersecurity starts with your staff. Have professionals train them how to identify and react to cybersecurity threats.
Establish company-wide cybersecurity policies that come with penalties for not following them. Tell them how to create strong passwords and handle customer or company information.
3. Back Up Files
The best way to protect information is to have as many copies of it as possible. That way, a hacker can’t take everything you need in one fell swoop.
Use a backup program that copies files and sends them to storage. Find an automated one that does it for you at least a few times a month.
4. Manage Your Passwords
Use strong passwords on all devices. They should have at least 15 characters with a mix of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. Change them regularly and never share them with anyone outside the business.
A password management tool makes it easier. They’ll store them for you, generating usernames, and even security questions. You’ll only have to remember a PIN or master password.
Multi-factor authentication is another business protection measure for when passwords aren’t enough. They require anyone trying to access your business to put in more information such as a code sent to their mobile device.
5. Get Help
If you’re looking for more cybersecurity tips, it may be time to learn more about managed services. These specialized professionals let you outsource much of your IT issues, including cybersecurity.
They offer personalized support to help you with every step of the process. They can scale with you and give you more advanced cybersecurity measures as you grow.
Where to Find More Cybersecurity Tips
Business security and cybersecurity go hand in hand. Even a small business is a common target for hackers in search of sensitive information.
Train your staff on the right steps such as creating strong passwords. Manage them all with helpful programs and use multi-factor authentication as an extra layer of protection.
Use other protective software such as firewalls and VPNS. Back up all files in case of an attack. Managed services will help you manage all your information and keep it secure.
Read the rest of our content for more cybersecurity tips.
