8 Cyber Security Protection Tips For SMBs

It is usually assumed that a small business is not prone to cyberattacks. The “less serious” attitude is common among small business owners with regard to cyber security, but it is also completely wrong and inconsistent with today's cyber security practices.

But why are small businesses attacked more often than large businesses? Almost all cyber attacks get personal information that you can use on a credit card or identity theft. While large businesses have stolen data, small businesses with networks are less secure, making it easier to break the network. through automatic attacks, cybercriminals can break into thousands or more small businesses, making size less of a problem than network security.

Lack of time, budget and proper security expertise is the main reason for the high rates of SMB attacks. Other reasons include a lack of IT security expertise, accident awareness, lack of staff training, failure to update security systems, security breaches and failure to secure storage facilities.

How can your business prevent you from becoming a victim of cyber attacks? Here are 8 cyber security measures for a business you can start using today.

1. Use a firewall

One of the first lines of defense against cyber attacks is a firewall. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recommends that all SMBs set up a firewall that will provide a barrier between your data and cyber criminals. In addition to the standard external firewall, many companies are now starting to install internal phones to provide additional protection. It is also important that homeworkers install a firewall on their home network as well. For home networks, companies must consider providing firewall software and support to ensure compliance.

2. Write down your cyber security policies

While small businesses often operate verbally and environmentally, cyber security is one area where it is important to document your agreements. The Small Business Administration (SBA) Web site provides online training, online and offline checklists, and information specifically to protect online businesses. FCC's Cyber Planner 2.0 provides the first location of your security document. Consider also participating in the C3 Small Business Volunteer Program, which contains a detailed toolkit for determining and documenting the best cyber security practices and cyber security policies.

3. Set up mobile devices

Security and Satisfaction Strategies, it is important for companies to have a BYOD written policy that focuses on safety awareness. With the ever-increasing number of wearables, such as smart watches and sturdy wireless workout tracks, it is important to incorporate these devices into the policy. Small and medium sized businesses require employees to set automatic security updates. The company's password policy must apply to all mobile devices accessing the network.

4. Educate all staff

Employees tend to wear a lot of hats on SMBs, which makes it important that all employees who log on to the network are trained in your company’s best cyber security systems and security policies.

As policies change as cyber criminals become easier, it is important that you have regular updates on new protocols. To hold employees accountable, each employee signed a document stating that they were informed of policies and understood that action could be taken if they did not follow safety rules.

5, Ensure secure password security

Yes, employees find that changing passwords is painful. However, Verizon 2016 Data Breach Investigations Report found that 63 percent of data breaches occurred due to lost, stolen or weak passwords. According to the Keeper Security and Ponemon Institute Report, 65 percent of SMBs with password policies do not enforce them. In today's BYOD world, it is important that all employee devices accessing a company network are password protected.

Employees must be required to use passwords with capital letters and numbers, numbers and symbols. SMBs should make it mamndatory for all the employees to change passwords every 60 to 90 days.

6. Always backup all data

While it is important to prevent as many attacks as possible, they can still be violated regardless of your precautions. The SBA recommends backing up word processing documents, electronic spreadsheets, information, financial files, human resources files, and access / paid files. Be sure to back up all the data stored in the cloud. Make sure backups are kept in a separate place in the event of a fire or flood. To make sure you have the latest backup if you ever need it, check your backup regularly to make sure it works properly.

7. Install anti-malware software

It’s easy to assume that your employees know they shouldn’t open emails to steal sensitive information. However, the Verizon 2016 Data Breach Investigations Report found that 30 percent of employees have opened criminal emails to steal sensitive information, a 7 percent increase since 2015. installed on all devices and networks.

8. Use a multifactor identifier

Without your preparation, an employee may make a security error that could jeopardize your data. applying multi-factor identification settings to a very large network and email products is easy to create and provides an extra layer of protection. use staff cell numbers as a second form, as it is less likely that the thief will have both a PIN and a password.

Security is not a defined target but a moving one. Cyber ​​criminals are on the rise every day. To protect your data as much as possible, it is important for each employee to make cyber security a priority. And most importantly, stay on top of the latest attack trends and new defense technologies. Your business relies on it.