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10 Simple Cybersecurity Tips
for Small Businesses
The importance of cybersecurity arises whenever you remember how swiftly computer hackers can break into your computer systems, networks, or devices and steal your sensitive data. Hacking and data theft are becoming increasingly common crimes in today’s society, so you need to take precautions to secure your company. And small businesses are more vulnerable to cyber-attacks because of not taking enough measures for protecting their data.
In this blog, you’ll find 10 beneficial and basic cybersecurity tips to protect your small business from data breaches and information disclosure, preventing you from future problems such as loss of personal information, theft of data and records, etc.
1. Don’t Neglect Updates
It’s essential to update any software installed on your computer, these updates help to:
- Provide advanced features
- Improve security
- Patch known flaws
Always update your operating systems to the most recent version so that you can protect your company from security problems. The majority of updates are released in response to a new cyber-attack or a newly discovered vulnerability. Thus, updating web browsers and operating systems is essential.
2. Create Strong Passwords
You may know that strong passwords are key to your software protection. Here are some of the basic tips to follow while creating passwords:
- Create long passwords — at least 8 characters.
- Include numbers, symbols.
- Use uppercase and lowercase letters.
And here are some of the common mistakes that people make when creating a password, which makes it easy to crack and compromise:
- Passwords in alphabetic order (e.g. abcde).
- Sequential numbers (e.g. 12345).
- A repeated character (e.g. 1111, AAAA).
- Characters that are side by side on keywords (e.g. qwerty, asdfgh, etc.).
- Personal information (e.g. birthday, loved ones’ name, social security number, etc.).
Keep in mind that cybercriminals use password-hacking tools and it’s not difficult for them to hack such weak passwords. Here are other handful tips to follow:
- It’s a good rule of thumb to change your passwords a minimum of every three months to keep your operating systems safe from hacking.
- Have different passwords for each account.
- As a small business, include multi-factor authentication into your apps and devices as it protects your password from being hacked by verifying your identity through sending a security code to your phone or requesting a fingerprint or facial scan.
3. Use Anti-virus and Anti-malware
It’s impossible to be completely safe against malware as long as you’re connected to the Internet. Thus, having the latest version of anti-virus and anti-malware programs installed on your computers can greatly lessen your vulnerability. These programs should be applied both on corporate-owned and personal devices used for work. When you use anti-virus and anti-malware tools together, you secure the highest protection for your devices, preventing malicious attacks. Remember, that these programs also need regular updates that can be done either automatically or manually. Thus, ensure to update them to maintain their essential functions.
4. Consider Data Backup
Having a data backup is essential for preventing your sensitive data from being hacked. In this way, you ensure that you have a copy of your confidential information and can restore the original whenever it gets deleted or compromised. Keep in mind that original and backup data should be kept on separate storage devices. For example, you can maintain backup data on cloud storage and the original one on your computer.
5. Secure Wi-Fi
Whenever you work with confidential data, never use public Wi-Fi networks. Wireless security is essential as it protects your Wi-Fi network from illegal access by hackers. The Internet is now an essential part of the working process, nevertheless, it can also put data at risk.Â
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Hackers can now easily steal sensitive data using Wi-Fi. Therefore, businesses should take steps to secure their Wi-Fi network and prevent hackers from gaining access. Here are some basic tips:
- Change the router’s default name into one that doesn't immediately reveal the company's name.
- Create strong passwords.
- Encrypt wireless network to secure it with an authentication protocol.
- Make sure that your network is used by only authorized users.
- Ensure that devices connected to your network are also secure.
6. Use Physical Security
Unauthorized users should not be able to access your physical assets, including PCs, laptops, and other devices. Hackers can not only breach your data, but also they can steal your operating systems. Here are basic tips for you:
- Put cameras to know who enters your office.
- Lock your computer and any other devices with strong passwords.
- You can control unauthorized access by installing smart locks in door knobs.
- Add a physical tracker so that you can recover lost physical assets.
7. Download Trusted Apps
Only download software that you need from a credible source. Use the App Store for Apple devices and Google Play for an Android device. Before downloading a new app, always look for reviews and request advice from individuals you trust. If the app has a negative review, go on to see if anyone mentioned any security problems, including bugs or passwords that aren’t encrypted. Spyware and other sorts of malware can sometimes be found in programs. App malware affects mobile devices, causing serious problems. Thus, make the right choice with apps and put thought into them.
8. Use HTTPS on Your Site
Installing a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate and enabling HTTPS on your website can help encrypt all data sent between a visitor’s browser and your web server. It adds security and trust.
9. Use a VPN
VPN is the acronym of a virtual private network which is an encrypted connection between a device and a network via the Internet. It aids in the secure transmission of sensitive data. When working remotely, employees can use a VPN to securely access the company’s network. VPNs help to lessen the consequences of a cyber-attack by encrypting data. When employees use their home wireless network or any other network, VPN provides an additional layer of protection. It provides you with online privacy and security by masking your browsing activity.
10. Train Employees
Last, but not least, ensure to train your employees to apply all the above-mentioned rules and more. Here are some tips to consider when training employees:
- Make sure that your employees have strong passwords on their computers and other devices and use two-factor authentication. They must regularly update those passwords at least once every quarter of a year.
- They must not share any sensitive data, including company information or their passwords with anyone.
- They must update their devices, operating systems, and computers, whenever updates are available. These updates can also include anti-virus updates.
- Back up sensitive data.
- Detect suspicious emails and spot scams. Don’t click on any suspicious links, attachments.
- Don’t enter any unsecured website or download not trusted apps.
- Lock devices whenever they don’t use their computers or go out for a moment.
It would be good to organize regular training for your employees to teach them all security practices. Having policies for cybersecurity can help your employees be more serious about it.Â
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Cybersecurity is critical for your small business since it protects sensitive data from malicious attacks and viruses. There are different ways to improve your cybersecurity, so we’ve compiled these 10 tips to help you apply the best IT security practices and protect your systems from data breaches and unauthorized access. Deploy the tips and keep your business data safer.Â
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