Technology plays an increasingly important role in today’s workplace. New, smarter forms of technology now allow us to complete our jobs faster and more efficiently than ever before.
But this convenience comes with a catch. Criminals have evolved alongside technology. Recent FBI statistics note that Internet crimes are responsible for $1.4 billion in losses.
Small businesses may not have the resources needed to recover from such an attack. As a result, prevention is a must.
Here are five cybersecurity best practices small businesses can use to stay safe in today’s data-centric world.
1. Enforce Password Protocol
Technology is sophisticated, but most passwords aren’t. The top three passwords are:
- 123456
- Password
- 123456789
No one wants to remember a complicated password. But it’s far better than leaving data vulnerable to criminals.
Strengthen your business’ security by enforcing a stronger password protocol. Require passwords to be at least eight characters in length, use at least one number, and one special character.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication Whenever Possible
A strong password is a wonderful start. However, it isn’t always enough to keep dedicated criminals away.
As an extra layer of security, implement multi-factor authentication for programs like email, communication channels, and employee records.
Multi-factor authentication requires more than a strong password to prove identity. Common solutions include sending unique codes via text or voice mail or requiring the input of a pin after a user submits their password.
3. Hold Mandatory Cybersecurity Training
An educated team is a prepared team. Since technology moves so quickly, it can be hard to keep up with current cybersecurity trends. Host security training once or twice per year to keep your team updated on the biggest threats.
Teach employees how to handle common problems like phishing scams, malware attacks, and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks.
Many employees understand that cybersecurity is important, but they may not see the gravity of the situation. Providing resources to help them learn is a great way to bring your team together while reinforcing the significance of strong cybersecurity measures.
4. Create a Disaster Recovery Plan
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Have a plan in place to protect your business in the event of a security breach. Partner with an experienced IT firm to establish a disaster recovery plan.
You’ll learn what to do in case of a data breach so you can act swiftly and minimize damage.
5. Protect Your Network
An unsecured network is as dangerous as a weak password. Never leave your business’ WiFi open to the public. If you run a restaurant or cafe that provides Internet access, create a separate network.
A secured network includes multiple layers, like:
- A firewall.
- Password protection
- Antivirus software
- User logs
- Encryption
- Regular data backups
By adding these features, you’ll be able to control who has access to your network, and in the event of a breach, should be able to track down the source of the breach.
Keep Your Data Safe: Follow These Cybersecurity Best Practices
Make no mistake, data breaches occur each and every day. Don’t wait until it’s too late to secure your critical data. Implement these cybersecurity best practices for a safer, more well-rounded business.
To learn more about how you can protect your business, get in touch today.
