You need more than basic cybersecurity to protect yourself from hackers
Businesses need more than the basics
As we break the myths of about Cybersecurity, we challenge the default thoughts business owners have about the importance of not only a solid security plan, but also systems to protect you in the event of a breach.
FACT #8 – Businesses need more than basic cybersecurity to protect them from hackers. The results of the Vanson Bourne survey made it clear SMBs are not sure what good cybersecurity is to protect their systems from hackers. While most claim they have the basics such as email and network protection, a third of respondents did not have basic protection in place at all.
SMBs tend to think because they are a small business, they are not a likely target for cybercriminals. They think there is not much to steal from their business. But this belief is like sticking your head in the sand hoping you will never have to deal with a security breach. This is a mistake. According to the Norton SMB Cyber Security Survey, one in four Australian SMBs with 1 to 20 employees experienced expensive security breaches in 2017.
Why are SMBs vulnerable?
Nearly all cyberattacks steal personal information for identity or credit card theft. So why are SMBs more vulnerable than large businesses? While big businesses have more data to steal, SMB networks are easier to access.
SMBs usually do not have a dedicated IT person or team, budget or the time to put into cybersecurity. This makes them an easy target for hackers.
So, it is time for SMBs to stop talking and thinking about cybersecurity and start implementing it to not just protect the business but also their customers. Work with a good MSP that advises you what security solutions will best protect your business data.
Here are two simple practices you can implement with the help of your MSP.
Add a managed firewall
Add a managed firewall to protect business IT systems. It is one of the first lines of defence to keep hackers out of your business. This gives you a barrier that hackers need to break through to get to your data. Some organisations have both an external and internal firewall for added protection. And, when employees work from home make sure they have a firewall installed on their home network.
Enforce safe password policies
According to the Verizon report, 81 percent of data breaches are because of weak or stolen passwords. Many SMBs have safe password policies but fail to enforce them. It is vital that all staff use organisational safe password protocols.
While staff may find it annoying changing passwords regularly, educate them about using strong passwords and how to use them properly. In this day and age of staff bringing their own device to use at work, it is essential that any employee-owned device accessing business networks have strong passwords. Consider adding an extra layer of security and implement two-factor authentication to make systems tougher to hack.
Contact Rightsize Technology for a free consultation to find out how we can protect your business from security threats. We are your IT department as a service.
About Rightsize:
Enabling your business to grow efficiently and effectively – we’re the Rightsize for you.
Small businesses struggle to budget their IT operation and often spend inefficiently with a less than great return on their investment. Rightsize Technology understand: we deliver a minimum 30% reduction on IT overheads as a dedicated outside IT department for our clients. Our unlimited 24×7 support, both on and offsite increases their business productivity and capacity, enabling their business to grow efficiently and effectively – we’re the Rightsize for growing small businesses. Talk to our team today for more information.