If you have a small business, you make think you are immune to cyber attacks, but that is no longer the case. Smaller businesses are becoming larger targets because most don’t have the budget to protect themselves or think it’s not worth the money. Neither of these ideas is true.
First, cybersecurity attacks are extremely costly. According to the FBI, cyber crime cost businesses $2.7 billion in 2020 alone. Can you afford to remain open if you were hit with thousands of dollars of damage?
While working with a cybersecurity company is money well spent, and should be a priority, if you simply can’t do that this year concentrate on the following:
Cybersecurity Tips on a Budget
- Run updates as soon as they are available. Often software and apps include patches for vulnerabilities and security issues.
- Educate your staff on the dangers and how to avoid them. Include information on passwords, phishing, and safe web browsing.
- Learn how employees are accessing your network when outside of the office. Ensure they have the necessary security and up-to-date software so working from home (or when traveling) is not a vulnerability.
- Use a firewall (even if you manage it yourself).
- If you use Office, look into Office 365 Business Premium, which offers security features against “advanced cyberthreats with sophisticated phishing and ransomware protection.”
- Ensure employees don’t have admin rights. Keep that for your system administrator.
- Store backup copies in a secure cloud or on an external drive.
- Limit access rights through logins so each employee only sees what they need to do their job. This will help if there is a breach.
- Require employees to implement sleep/lock features on their computers after two minutes of inactivity (or less) or every time they walk away, even for brief moments.
- Use a VPN when connecting to public WiFi.
- Keep your router’s firmware updated.
- Enable two-factor authentication wherever it is offered.
Looking for more ideas? The SBA offers these resources.
