How to Protect Small and Medium-Sized Businesses From Cyberattacks

Many small and medium-sized business owners mistakenly believe that their businesses will not fall victim to cyberattacks due to low turnover and a small amount of data. They believe that only large companies are exposed to such threats. However, most often in any company, it is employees who neglect security measures that pose a threat.

As a result, the personal information of the workers, as well as the company’s customers, leaks into the network. This ends in either fraud or theft. In any case, each owner should pay attention in advance to how to protect their business and their customers.

Today we will tell you about the steps you need to go through to minimize the risks.

Stage one: check the storage of information

First, you should pay attention to where all your data is stored and who can view it. Next, you need to determine what vulnerabilities you have.

It should be said that such work cannot be done on your own if you do not understand cybersecurity issues. You can only do a cursory check.

It is advisable to have employees who specialize in these matters or to hire contractors. This is due to the fact that the check must be carried out regularly. If you do not do it, then you may not notice how your data was stolen.

After checking, answer the following questions:

• Is there a person on your staff who can secure your data?
• Is the anti-virus installed on the computers of all employees of the company?
• Are employees familiar with the rules of network security?
• Do you use programs to encrypt your data?
• How can you set up a Threat Alert System?
• Do you have a ready-made action plan in case of a threat?

If you answered negatively to most of the questions, then you have serious problems. At the end of the check, proceed to the next step.

Stage two: inform the staff

First of all, you must inform each employee that any careless and rash action can destroy what you have been working on. This applies to absolutely everyone, even those who are not directly associated with valuable data.

For instance, your designer, who does not interact with information about employees or clients, can sit in a cafe, use free Wi-Fi and create designs for your website or product illustrations, removing the background at retoucher.online or creating a company logo, may not even suspect that his actions could lead to a data leak.

More than 80% of successful hacker actions were committed due to reckless actions of employees.

That is why it is necessary to hold a collective meeting and inform employees about what actions can lead to the vulnerability of the company. You can invite specialists to teach your staff how to use security programs, create complex passwords and work with external media.

Stage three: use the official software

Many companies are reluctant to use licensed software because it is too expensive. However, it should be borne in mind that manufacturers of official software constantly test their programs and identify unprotected places. When they find them, they release updated programs that are more secure.

Attackers do not need to target a specific company. They can find a flaw in the software that is used by the majority and hit everyone at once. Using the licensed software will allow you to receive improved versions of the software in a timely manner.

Stage four: generating complex passwords

It may seem that this little thing cannot do significant harm. However, research shows that 17% of hacks are due to the creation of too simple passwords.

When creating mail for work, many use personal information that they can easily remember. However, not everyone understands that your mail will be able to provide access to the corporate network and disclose all information of interest to hackers.

In this regard, it is recommended to perform the following actions:

• Each account must have a unique password;
• Passwords should be updated at least every six months;
• If possible, then set two-factor verification;
• Use password generators to create complex combinations;
• Don’t save passwords in your browser;
• Disable autocomplete.

Stage five: test the backup services

In the event of an attack, you risk losing all the information you need to run your business. If you have backups, then it will not be difficult for you to quickly restore your data.

However, many people forget that it is necessary to regularly check the correctly configured services that save your data. In order to prevent gray hair from appearing on your head in an instant, check your backups regularly.

Stage six: secure Wi-Fi

Your router should be configured for maximum protection against hacking. Manually review any settings that will prevent an unauthorized user from gaining access to your network.

Output

Stop thinking that if you own a small or medium business, then hackers are not interested in stealing your data and not selling it to third parties or demanding a huge amount of money from you to get it back. Conduct regular security checks, inform your employees about possible oversights that could lead to data breaches.

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