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Every entrepreneur should think of their business, whether it is a small, medium, or large scale company, as a living organism. Organisms tend to require constant attention and must change with the flow of the environment, be able to compete with new challenges, and defend themselves against evolving threats. Businesses are no different.
If you own a small business, you might think that you do not need to worry about cyberattacks and can simply apply minimum security measures. However, that’s where most companies fail to recognise the possible risks that could take their business to the ground. Security is not something to be compromised if you’re looking for success.
Taking opportunities to re-examine your business policies and determining where you need to do better will only strengthen your company and help it grow efficiently. Just take some time to think about how many legal documents, financial details, marketing data, and other critical records can be found within the boundary of your company.
Are you implementing proper measures to protect them? Are the current policies helping your company grow in the right direction without any obstacles? Ask yourself these questions and decide what you lack in the defensive procedures.
It’s true that most businesses are starting to adopt online tools to reach a bigger market with more opportunities. But, along with that, they must pre-plan cybersecurity methods as an assurance to reinforce protection against online threats. So, the following are six security tips you must consider as a small business to reach success:
1.Give emphasis to passwords:
Passwords are the locks that protect the door to your business accounts, devices, and the data and information they contain. Weak and unsecured passwords can result in cybercriminals spotting the vulnerabilities in your security system and attacking your business with the intention of stealing, exposing, or selling your vital information on the dark web or to other organisations.
To solve this, you must keep stronger and unique passwords with random and unpredictable sets of numbers, symbols, and letters for all your accounts. Changing them frequently will also help in assuring they are robust at all times. You can also use password managers to ultimately provide better storage and security for all your passwords. More importantly, teach all the staff members in your business about similarly handling their passwords.
2.Enable Multiple Authentication for all accounts:
You may have secured your password, and it’s reasonable to feel protected when your accounts and devices are protected with them. But, it’s not always best to entirely rely on passwords as a security measure. If somehow hackers get access to them, it wouldn’t take long for your business to experience attacks constantly and lose essential data.
Multi-factor Authentication, or widely known as Two-factor Authentication, will provide an extra layer of protection to all the accounts and equipment with double verification methods. This means that even after you log into your account, a different PIN will be sent to the email address or phone number you have set to verify that it’s actually the owner logging in. Applying this measure can help prevent outsiders from peeking into your business activities.
3.Frequently back up data:
Sure, it’s essential to secure your accounts and passwords to prevent data breaches and other cyberattacks. But, it would also be a wise choice considering keeping a copy of your critical data in case of possible data loss or deletion of your business information. Cybercriminals and thieves are always relentlessly trying to attack businesses, and they do succeed at times.
You must have a digital recovery plan and be prepared to regain your data in case if you are victimized. There are several Backup services online, such as Norton Cloud Backup, that can help you do that. Keeping an archive of important data is crucial if you ever need to restore deleted or lost information. From customer databases to registry files, all should be backed up.
4.Keep operating systems and software updated:
One of the major causes of a business being vulnerable to attacks is outdated systems and software. Out-of-date systems tend to have security flaws and older defence mechanisms against viruses and malware that could make them susceptible to newer threats. Hackers can take advantage of those weaknesses and security holes in your software and operating systems by infecting them with malicious codes.
Newer versions come with improved and modified fighting codes that may have lacked in previous ones, and that could fill up security gaps. That’s why you must keep your devices and software, including antivirus programs and regular applications, updated frequently to make them defend against the latest risks.
5.Secure your networks and devices:
Most workplaces have a wide range and single Wi-Fi networks for employees and the business to operate on. Wireless networks are reliable, yes. But reliability should not come with vulnerabilities, which is why they should be hidden, secure, and strongly encrypted. The broadcasted Wi-Fi names shouldn’t contain any information about the manufacturers, as such details could help hackers access your network.
Another crucial factor about a network is its encryption. You should always install Wi-Fi services with the highest level of encryption method, which is WPA2 or WPA3, and update your network to these methods if you have lower levels. Besides securing your network, all the devices connected to that network should also be protected with firewalls, VPN, and antivirus software to prevent further intrusion from cyber thieves.
6.Train your employees on cybersecurity:
A business doesn’t just run on policies and rules. Implementation and proper practise of those strategies should be obligatory in order to make the company run smoother. This includes training all the staff and members of the business and raising cybersecurity awareness among them.
Teaching them how to identify and prevent potential cyber risks, like social engineering and phishing attacks, can help everyone play their role in the company’s security. Along with training, it’s also crucial to provide them with proper tools and assistance to ensure their participation. With better Online Privacy Software, like Norton 360, and a smart IT team, all the members will be able to conduct basic security management.
