As a small business owner, you are probably thinking – ‘Why would a random hacker want to attack my company?’
Studies reveal that a considerable number of small businesses have suffered the consequences of cyberattacks. There are two possible reasons for this –
- Most small businesses don’t spend as much on security measures and proactive steps.
- They often put their guard down when it comes to cybersecurity measures.
Regardless of these factors, enterprises continue to gather data, and the security risks loom large. From breaching devices to camera hack, hackers are trying to cause harm in various ways. In this post, we are discussing further about cybersecurity related to small businesses.
Being proactive and reactive
Companies need to understand that certain steps are necessary to prevent cyberattacks. This is called taking a proactive approach. At the same time, it is equally important to have a reactive approach. In case of a security breach occurs, or there is a situation of data theft, there must be a proper incident response plan. Taking corrective measures at the right time is critical to prevent further losses and meet necessary compliance needs.
Common cybersecurity measures for every business
- Ensure that your business has an updated cybersecurity policy.
- Train your employees, so that they know about common threats.
- Check all software, firmware, apps and operating systems are updated to the latest versions.
- Remove unwanted software and old firmware.
- Check if all default passwords, usernames and other details have been changed.
- Ask employees to use a password manager, and for personal devices, always recommend a VPN.
- Ensure that passwords used are strong and secure. Use of special characters, uppercase and lowercase letters are a must.
- Figure out a way to manage access rights in real time. Invest in an Identity & Access management suite, if required.
- Check your cybersecurity plans and policies are compliant to industry norms.
- If budget permits, get ethical hackers to test your security measures to find flaws.
Finally, stay alert. Small businesses often take data security and overall IT environment for granted. More than the spending, it is about having an approach towards cybersecurity that’s in sync with current norms and requirements. Also, make sure that backups of data and resources are taken on a regular basis, and find ways to secure your on-premise and cloud assets. Not to forget, protect networked devices behind firewalls and use antimalware and antivirus software without fail.
