How to Protect a Small Business from Cyber Attacks
Ensure that your small business is secure from online malicious activity with this guide on the best practices in cyber security for a small business. Get started today!
As a typical small business owner, ensuring your infrastructure and digital systems are secured against malicious activity is essential. This guide will offer insights into the best cyber security practices for small businesses so you can protect yourself from potential online threats.
Educate your Employees on the Risks and Practices of Cyber Security
Cybersecurity awareness is critical for small businesses that are at risk. Educate your employees and raise their understanding of cyber security risks and best practices. Keep them updated on the latest industry news, cybersecurity trends, and methods for protecting data from being accessed by malicious users. Be detailed in describing the potential threats and types of attacks so they understand how critical it is to remain vigilant about protecting your business.
Implement Firewalls and Antivirus Software
An essential part of any cybersecurity plan is having the right tools. Investing in advanced firewalls, antivirus software, and anti-malware systems can help protect your network. Firewalls are a barrier between internal computers and malicious networks, while antivirus software scans files for signs of malware or virus infection. Anti-malware tools protect against malicious programs designed to find and exploit vulnerable points on an internal system or computer.
Protect Your Networks With Secure Passwords
One of the most effective ways to protect a small business from cyber attacks is to use strong, complex passwords for all user accounts. Complex passwords should include at least eight characters, a mix of upper and lower case letters, and must not be easy to guess or contain words in any dictionary anywhere. Avoid using personal information, like birthdays or family member’s names, as hackers can easily assume it to gain access to your systems. Additionally, ensure you change user passwords regularly and don’t reuse old ones.
Restrict Access to Sensitive Data
To further protect your small business from cyber attacks, you should restrict access to your system’s sensitive data and information. For example, only allow individuals or departments who need access to the data to conduct their job duties access it. This is especially important when it comes to employees who are dealing with customer credit card numbers or other financial information. In addition, ensure that each user account has restricted permissions that someone can only change with administrator privileges. That way, if a hacker can gain access, they won’t be able to damage the entire system.
Use Two-Factor Authentication for All Accounts
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is a great way to protect your accounts from being accessed by someone other than you. With this feature enabled, access to any of your small business’s accounts will require that you enter an additional code on top of the password and username you usually use. In addition, this code may be sent to a smartphone or tablet via text message or email, which adds another layer of cyber security protection for your company.