Cybersecurity Tips for Your Small Business

Managing a small business in the modern era is a challenging task for any professional. Keeping track of finances, employees, security, IT, and more can be a tall order, even when things are running smoothly. As any business owner knows, however, this isn’t always the case. Don’t let security fall through the cracks when the going gets tough. Keep your business and your networks safe, even when they’re at their most vulnerable, by using tested cybersecurity protocols and interventions, from high-level network protections tools to basic practices that every employee can manage.

 

Cybersecurity Techniques

Almost any business, small or large, operating today needs to keep cybersecurity at the forefront of their security concerns. This is more than simply installing anti-virus software on your office computers. Cybersecurity has evolved well beyond that, and while this may seem daunting, there are simple tools every business owner can effectively utilize to ensure their networks stay safe.

 

Network Protection

Your network should provide your first line of defense against intrusion or unwanted access. Start by using a firewall. While these may come stock with anti-virus software, it’s a good idea to look into more robust firewall software.

 

Next, ensure that no mobile devices used for work are connecting to any unprotected networks – this is the most common way that cybersecurity breaches occur.

 

Finally, ensure that through your network protection, you are also protecting other access points thought devices that connect to the network, like Internet of Things devices. It is also important to have a protocol for employees connecting personal devices to the network, such as a “guest” network that can be used for personal cell phones and other devices.

 

Data Backup

This one should be obvious, but many businesses still don’t have solid data loss practices put in place. For most companies, it’s as simple as subscribing to and learning how to use existing backup software, such as Microsoft’s OneDrive, Apple’s iCloud, or Google Drive. Data loss doesn’t always occur by accident, so you can’t simply depend on yourself or your employees to never make a mistake. Backing things up will allow recovery after a security breach, too.

 

Password Management

Gone are the days when we can get away with using the same password everywhere. Such simple security is too easy to penetrate. These days, even writing your passwords down will get you in trouble with cybersecurity experts. Consider subscribing to a PAM (Privileged Account Management) solution. This will allow you the right people to have access to the right passwords at all times, without needing to remember them or share them discreetly.

These are only starting points for cybersecurity. As time passes, these techniques, too, will likely become obsolete. Just as with physical security, it’s important for businesses to stay one step ahead of those looking for vulnerabilities.

 

Looking Ahead to the Future of Cybersecurity

While managing one’s own small business security may be possible for some business owners, others simply do not have the time. For some business managers, full-suite cybersecurity solutions offered by professionals may be a good option. These sorts of hardware-software all-in-one security suites, which give you access to entire teams of cybersecurity experts, can be a remarkably affordable way for small business to maintain peace of mind, thanks to modern subscription-model financing.

If you’re a business owner in need of security options, whether for your network or your brick and mortar business, our team can provide you with education, answers, and appropriate security solutions. We invite you to contact us directly to learn more.