It is important for small business owners to take measures to safeguard their companies against cybersecurity threats. These threats can take many forms, including malware, viruses, phishing attacks, and data breaches that can have severe consequences for your company. We’ll be discussing five cybersecurity tips every small business owner needs to know.
Related: Learn how Managed IT Services can help with Cybersecurity
Use Strong and Unique Passwords
Protecting your business against cybersecurity threats is as simple as it gets. Use strong passwords on all accounts and devices. Strong passwords should have at least 8 characters and contain a mixture of numbers, letters, and special characters. You should also use different passwords to protect different accounts.
Enable Two-factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (also known as 2FA) is an additional layer of security. It requires another form of authentication to be used in conjunction with a password. This could be a code sent directly to your phone, fingerprint scanning, or a security token. Even if you have your password, 2FA can be enabled on your accounts and devices to prevent unauthorized access.
Keep Software and Devices Up-to-Date
Cybersecurity threats change constantly. One of the best ways for your business to be protected is to keep all your software and devices current. This applies to your operating system, antivirus software, and all other applications that you use. To ensure you are up-to-date on security updates and other features, install them as soon as possible. Alternatively, if you use a managed IT service (see What is a Managed IT Service?), these items should be kept up to date by your Managed Service Provider.
Backup Your Data
Any business can suffer a serious loss of data. It is important to back up your data regularly in order to be protected against any cyberattacks or data loss. You have many options for backing up your data. These include cloud storage, external hard drives, and tapes. You can choose the best option for your business, and ensure that your backups are properly tested regularly.
Cybersecurity Education for Your Employees
Your cybersecurity defense starts with your employees. You must ensure that your employees are well-informed about how to spot and avoid common cyber threats such as phishing emails or suspicious websites. It is important to have policies that clearly outline how employees are expected to handle sensitive information, and what they should do if there is a breach. Employees will be more alert and informed if they are given reminders and training regularly to limit cybersecurity risks.
Final Words
These five cybersecurity tips will help you protect your small business against the many threats that it might face. You can reduce the chance of cybersecurity breaches by using unique passwords and two-factor authentication. Keep your software and devices current, back up your data, educate your employees and ensure that your business runs smoothly. If you’re looking to improve security and want an extra hand from an expert, seeking support from a trust provider of managed IT services can help to ensure you’re getting all the help you need.