Cyber attacks on businesses are on the rise. And attackers are usually more focused on the smaller companies. That is because the smaller ones are likely to have less security measures in place to prevent such attacks.
If you run a small business, here are seven cybersecurity practices that you need to know.
#1 Training the Employees
Cybersecurity and data privacy training can help your employees realize how vulnerable they are to different cyber threats. The training will also allow them to explore the various ways in which they can keep themselves safe from such vulnerabilities.
Hackers these days are exceedingly intelligent. Every day, they find new ways to gain access to their victims’ computers and steal valuable information from them. And while their methods of launching such cyber-attacks may seem new, the approach they follow is still common.
One way or another, they will try to fool the individuals into allowing the bots or malware to enter the system. Just by identifying the ways attackers try to infiltrate your computers and devices, you can protect your business from a cyber attack. Through cybersecurity training and awareness programs, you can prepare your staff to identify these attacks and prevent hackers from taking control of your computers.
#2 Using a Firewall
A firewall is the first line of defense against security threats. Each computer in your office should have this feature enabled. Firewalls can identify and prevent a wide range of cybersecurity threats. It can also be programmed to block off unauthorized installations or access to your computers.
#3 Securing Your Telephone System
Phone hacking is one of the most common ways for hackers to gain access to your business. They can use text messages or malware programs to breach the phone networks.
The easiest way to secure your telephone system is by setting up a strong password. Passwords can fend off possible hacking attempts to a good extent. Apart from this, consider installing security software on your phones. Besides, you should not allow outsiders to access your work or business phones.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi as well. These open Wi-Fi networks are often used as ‘practice ranges’ by hackers.
#4 Backing Up Company Data
You should back up important data and files on a cloud server daily. That will help you tackle situations where your devices are attacked by ransomware. Hence, your business can still function through the cloud backup files even if the original files are being held hostage.
#5 Limiting Access to Sensitive Data
Not every employee at your office should have access to all the company data. Limit data access based on the employee’s designation or data necessity. On top of that, you should allow only a handful of people to access the more sensitive data in your office.
This data can include your company’s leads, client information, staff information, etc. Limiting access to sensitive data prevents it from being threatened by cyber attacks. And even if this data is compromised, you will know who to investigate since only a select few individuals have access to this data.
#6 Securing your Wi-Fi Network
Since everyone in your office will be using the same Wi-Fi, you must secure the network so that hackers cannot gain access to your employees’ devices. Start by using a strong password for the network. For added security, consider buying wireless routers that come with built-in security features and software.
#7 Preventing Unauthorized Software Installations
Every computer in your office should have usage restrictions. Other than the IT administrator, no one should be allowed to install any third-party software, browser extension, video games, etc. Only after a thorough inspection of the product will the administrator authorize the installation of such tools or software.
By preventing such unauthorized installations, you can stop malicious programs from gaining access to your system. You can also prevent the unauthorized installation of adware by following this practice. Thus, your employees need not spend their valuable time clicking the cross button on hundreds of ads each day.
Cyber attackers are always looking to hit businesses where the systems are most vulnerable. By considering these practices, you can make sure that the devices in your office are not that vulnerable to such attacks. And even though these practices do not guarantee a hundred percent protection against cyber threats, they can still help you prevent them to a great extent.