Roughly half of the small business owners admit that their company lacks the necessary security practices, even though these should be a business imperative in the digital world. Staying safe from cybersecurity threats is possible by advocating for cybersecurity, introducing solid policies to prevent cyberattacks, and using online security software.
Advocate for cybersecurity
Cybercriminals strike where they see an opening, and you’re already closer to securing your business just by realizing the dangers of a cybersecurity breach. However, every single team member must also share that realization to effectively implement security measures online. Since people are more willing to take part in something when they know what is at risk, discuss the importance of protecting devices, systems, and data from digital attacks regularly. Some examples include explaining what phishing is and how to avoid it, encouraging team members to use strong and unique passwords, and telling them the importance of enabling multifactor authentication for both work and private accounts.
It’s also worth considering gamifying the education process. ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training is a marvelous tool that helps explain cyberthreats in an understandable and playful way. It demonstrates risky practices through gamified courses, offers learning materials in video format, and provides interactive minigames.
Impose cybersecurity policies
Nobody likes rules and regulations, but implementing strict policies can save your small business from a lot of trouble. Providing your team members with computers and phones used strictly for work with pre-installed internet security software ensures safer collaboration. Block websites like torrenting pages on these devices, and reset passwords regularly. You should also invest in a password manager to encrypt login information.
With everything connected to the internet these days, team communication, document sharing, and collaborative work have become much easier but also much more dangerous. Constant online connection is a door to cybercriminals: if you leave it open, they come in without hesitation. Use web conferencing software with end-to-end encryption, and store business documents safely by using a product like Raven – a service you can also use to scan, edit, and share files securely.
Use the appropriate software
When you’re aware of the dangers, you can select the right software to protect your small business. Running an antivirus all the time and launching regular scans to look for anomalies is key. Bitdefender is a solid choice with its multilayer protection and many other user-friendly features. It’s also highly recommended to use a VPN to ensure data is encrypted and secure. But if you want to avoid having zillions of software, you can opt for TotalAV, an internet security suite with an integrated VPN and password manager. Finally, it’s also important to back up your information often to mitigate the danger of a ransomware attack.
If the damage is already done…
No matter the education, policies, or software, accidents still happen. It only takes one click on a phishing link to put an entire company in danger. Fortunately, identity theft protection services can monitor your business activities and alert you about irregularities, such as unrecognized credit card use. If you find out that your company has been hacked, you should immediately freeze all bank accounts and let customers know of the breach. This last step is essential to make sure clients change their credentials and prevent hackers from finding their sensitive information.
Cyberthreats are here to stay, as criminals aren’t going to stop anytime soon. Sticking to these practices is a vital first step, and they work best when combined. But the most important part is to stay vigilant and keep up with cybersecurity topics, including threats and practices. While new cyberthreats are always appearing, the same is true for ways to protect yourself from them.
Richárd Z.
Sharmaine G.
