10 Things You can do to Protect Your Small Business from Cyber Threats

Cybercrime is on the rise and small businesses are increasingly becoming a target as they are often less security conscious. Small businesses often do not have the same resources as large corporations when it comes to cybersecurity, but they can still take steps to protect themselves from hackers and cyberattacks. With the number of attacks increasing, it is important to take immediate action. Here are 10 action items your small business can take to reduce your risk.?

?1. Educate Employees

Employees are one of the greatest threats to your business' cybersecurity efforts. If they don't understand why it's important to protect company information, they won't understand why they should follow security protocols. Make sure every employee has a clear understanding of what constitutes a threat and how they can help minimize risk by following security procedures outlined by management.

?2. Audit Your Security Risks

A complete audit of your data systems and applications can help identify any potential security risks in your organization’s network. Audit your physical devices (e.g., computers) and digital devices (e.g., software programs) for vulnerabilities that could allow hackers access to confidential information or disrupt normal operations at your business.

?3. Password Protect Your Wi-Fi Network

Your Wi-Fi network is the first line of defense against online criminals, so make sure to password protect it and make sure the password is strong and unique. If your employees work remotely, you should also require them to use two-factor authentication when logging in from an unfamiliar device.

?4. Secure Your Website and Payment System

Make sure your website uses HTTPS encryption, which means all data is encrypted when sent between users and servers. If you accept payments online, use a secure payment processor.

?5. Backup Your Data

If your business is hacked, it's important to have a backup of all your data. This includes emails, financial documents, customer information and more. You can use a cloud-based backup service or an external hard drive to do this.

6. Use a Firewall

A firewall can help prevent outside attacks on your business' network by blocking unauthorized access to it. Most firewalls are installed on the company's router, which is connected to every device in the business. The firewall blocks unauthorized traffic from entering and leaving it so that only authorized users can access it.

7. Anti-Virus Software

An anti-virus program scans your computer for viruses and other malware that could be harmful to its operation. Most antivirus software comes with a free trial period so you can test it before purchasing it outright, but make sure that any anti-virus program you use is updated regularly because new viruses are always being developed.

8. Encrypt Sensitive Data

Encrypting data is a fundamental step to protecting it. You can encrypt your entire hard drive, or only the data you need to protect. If you use cloud storage, check with your service providers about encryption options.

9. Limit Employee Access to Information and Devices

Employees should only have access to the information that is necessary for them to do their jobs. If an employee doesn't need access to sensitive data, you should remove their access rights for those files and restrict their permissions so they can't copy them onto USB drives or other removable media. You should also require all employees who are provided with company devices to use password managers to create strong passwords for all accounts and applications on their devices.

10. Consult an Expert

While we've covered the basics here, there are many things you can do beyond what we've mentioned that will help protect your business from cyberattacks. If you're unsure and need more help, register for a One-on-one assessment with our resident Cybersecurity expert, Quiana Gainey.

Please visit https://www.virginiasbdc.org/programs/cybersecurity/

About the Author:

Quiana Gainey is a 20+ year IT & Cybersecurity industry veteran and has served as Chief Executive Officer for SecureTech360 located in Springfield, VA since its inception in 2010. Ms. Gainey has an extensive background in the IT industry, including information assurance, cyber-security and research/development for the Federal, State or Local government. She also founded MySecureKid in 2018 a 501C (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to diversity and inclusion in the field of cybersecurity, and information technology. Ms. Gainey has an MBA, a BS in Information Technology Management and Cybersecurity.?Quiana is available to meet 1-on-1 to assess your small business cybersecurity needs.?Sign up for a 30-minute session here.