Cyber security is no longer just a concern for large corporations. Small and medium-sized businesses are being targeted and hacked by malicious actors more frequently than before. It means protection against cyber threats has to be a vital component of any business’s defense plan to ensure its success in today’s competitive market.
According to data from Investigations Report, just over one-third of all breaches targeted small businesses. Compared to larger organizations whose security concerns focused on preventing attacks from individual hackers and external threats.
The most effective way for a business to defend itself against cyber threats is by understanding the nature of these threats and how we can prevent them. Here are some examples of cyber threats
- Malware
- Phishing
- Spear Phishing
- “Man in the Middle” (MitM) attack
- Trojans
- Ransomware
You can implement the following changes to protect and secure your company’s data.
8 Cyber Security Risk Mitigation Strategies for Small Businesses
1. Use Reasonably Complex Passwords
Password reuse is unsafe, which means your personal information could get compromised. Using passwords that are at least eight characters long is the best practice when creating passwords. It will protect against brute force attacks when hackers attempt to access your account by typing random characters until they hit the correct password.
2. Firewalls and Antivirus Software
Firewalls and antivirus software are critical components of any organization’s security, no matter the size. They offer protection against external attacks and can spot unknown malware attempting to connect with the network.
Using these systems gives you a layer of protection that may see off some hackers, while others will be blocked by an antivirus when they attempt to connect their malware to your network through an email or download.
3. Use VPNs to Secure your Wi-Fi Network
Most businesses have at least one Wi-Fi network available for their employees, if not more. For this reason, the personal information of your customers and staff is potentially vulnerable on this network. A secure VPN is an ideal way of protecting personal data from prying eyes as they enter and leave your office safely.
4. Encrypt all Data that is Getting Sent to the Cloud
Encryption has been made famous by government organizations whose data often gets stolen by hackers. Businesses should encrypt all their data sent to external storage facilities.
5. Educate your Employees on How to Stay Safe Online
IT departments are expected to cover all security issues, but ultimately a customer’s personal information will be at risk if their employees aren’t using the best practices. Employees should always be careful while opening links received in email.
The training should also cover the topic of phishing as it can be a trap for innocent employees. You can buy SSL certificate from a reputable provider to help enhance your general website security.
Companies should train their employers to use a secure browser, avoid phishing emails, and stay safe on the internet by only connecting via VPN.
Sometimes, it takes to be more mindful and attentive towards risks, allowing your employees to use these best practices daily.
6. Back up Your Data Regularly
Regular back-ups are vitally important because they allow you to restore any lost data if it has been hacked. No business is immune to data loss. While many prefer to invest in prevention measures such as firewalls and encryption, a data breach can still happen if a hacker manages to co-opt another employee.
7. Update Your Computers and Programs Regularly
Prolonged use of outdated software can leave computers vulnerable to attack. Therefore, it is essential to routinely update the software on your computers to ensure you get equipped with the latest security updates and patches.
The same goes for programs your employees regularly use, such as PDF readers and web browsers.
8. Device and Screen Locks
Restricting access to specific devices is another way of stopping unauthorized access, as people often forget they have left their computer at the office. If laptops and mobile phones are locked away, it will be implausible that a hacker will be able to gain access to them.
Conclusion
By following the above measures, you can ensure your company gets prepared for the new cyber security challenges. It’s important to remember that the most effective way to defend yourself against cyber threats is knowledge, not fear.
You need to be able to recognize a threat before you can protect against it, and by following these tips, you’ll be well on your way. It will keep your company safe and make it successful in the competitive market.
Be ready for the future of cyber security by staying ahead of the curve with the best Cyber Security Solutions.
In conclusion, it is essential to recognize cybercrime threats because this is a constant challenge for businesses. These are the most effective way for a company to defend itself against cyber threats. The dangers should get taken seriously. Cybercrime is fast becoming an increasing problem in all industries, and this can affect your company too if you don’t protect yourself against it.
One can stay up to date by constantly checking in with MeriTalk to keep informed about cyber security and IT.
