How to Implement Cyber Security into Your Small Business

It is easy to assume that cybercriminals will not target your business because you are running a small company. However, a U.S. Congressional Small Business Committee established that as much as 71 percent of all cyber-attacks target businesses with fewer than 100 employees.

So, how do you avoid falling prey to a cyber-attack? The following are the best practices that you must implement today to ensure your online security.

Install a Firewall

Your first line of defense against intruders into your system is a firewall. This is software or hardware that provides a barrier between the internet and your network and internal data. Besides having a standard external firewall, many small and medium-size businesses install internal firewalls to offer additional protection from attacks that originate from their own networks.

It is also essential that your employees who work from home should have firewall software installed on their home networks. This is why you should consider a company to offer endpoint cyber security systems that also provide home network firewalls so you can enforce compliance.

Document All Your Cyber Security Policies

Although most small businesses use intuitional knowledge, informal processes and word of mouth in their operations, appropriate cyber security requires you to document all of your processes and protocols.

The Federal Communications Commission’s cyberplanner 2.0 will give you a template for your security plan. You should also think of taking part in the commission’s voluntary C# program targeted at small businesses that contains a blueprint for documenting and implementing cyber security policies.

Secure Your Mobile Devices

To cut down on costs, many small businesses today allow employees to bring their own devices to work. Because of this, it is vital that you have a detailed BYOD policy with a stringent focus on security of mobile devices. With connected wearable tech such as fitness trackers and smartwatches becoming commonplace in modern offices, you must include such devices in your cyber security policy.

Train Your Employees on Cyber Security

At small businesses, employees commonly take on a variety of roles, which means that it is vital for you to train all workers who require access to your network on implementation of your cyber security policies.

Your policies must evolve with time as cybercriminals add new tricks to their tools. To ensure that all your employees are accountable for their actions, they must all sign a document that shows they are aware of your policy and accept the consequences of non-compliance.

Use Safe Passwords

Nobody likes having to change their passwords constantly. However, a data breach investigation by Verizon established that a large number of data breaches in small businesses occurred due to weak, stolen or lost passwords. What’s more, the report says that few SMBs enforce their password policies.

In the current BYOD and Work from Home workplace, it is vital that all employees that access your network must have strong passwords that are changed continuously.

Back-Up Your Data Regularly

Although you could take steps that stop most attacks, there are times when a determined cybercriminal will breach your defences. It is vital to regularly back up your databases, human resources files, customer account details, spreadsheets and word processing documents.

Do not forget to back up any data that is in cloud storage as well. Be sure to back up files at a different location in case of a flood or fire. Regularly check on the integrity of backed-up data to ensure that it is available whenever you need it.

Install Software to Combat Malware

Do not assume that your employees will never access phishing email messages. Because a phishing attack works by installing malware onto the victim’s computer or mobile device when they click a link, you must install anti-malware software on all of your devices and those of employees who access your network.

A phishing attack will ordinarily target a specific role within your business. Therefore, you need to use position-specific tactics and staff training to ensure your network’s integrity.

Conclusion

Cyber security is continuously evolving, as cybercriminals get smarter each day. Guide your data and that of your customers, by ensuring that all your employees adhere to the best practices outlined above. Most importantly, your business depends on staying current on the latest security threats and trends on attacks.