8 Important Cybersecurity Tips for Businesses

Do you want to keep your business safe?

Your business’s security doesn’t stop at physical threats like break-ins. Many businesses are also vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Studies show that cybercrime rates went up by 600% in the past year.

Small businesses are even more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Whether you’re a big entity or a small business, you need the proper cybersecurity. Securing a business helps you maintain steady growth and loyal customers.

Want to ensure that you’re safe from online attacks?

Don’t worry; we got you. This article covers eight business cybersecurity tips to safeguard your information. Read on to discover more on small business cybersecurity.

1. Keep Your Software Updated

The first step to heightening your cybersecurity is to update your software. Many organizations use Windows operating system due to its flexibility and versatility. However, studies show that one-third of businesses still use Windows XP.

Leaving an outdated operating system can threaten and harm your business. Software updates come with patches and bug fixes to address vulnerabilities. Keeping your software updated also gives you access to more innovative apps.

Many of these apps, like Office 365 and Dropbox, increase work productivity. If you want to ensure you have a strong foundation for cybersecurity, keep your software up to date.

2. Educate Your Team

Your cybersecurity is only as good as how informed your team is. Having the best cybersecurity tips won’t be enough if your team doesn’t know how to implement them. To boost your business’s security, consider training your employees on good security practices.

Someone who may not be aware of common online attacks is more prone to falling for scams. Your employees may fall victim to spearfishing attacks and phishing scams. In the past year, many cyber attackers exploit the fear of online users on the pandemic.

Your employees must stay updated regarding new protocols and policy changes. It would also help to work with cybersecurity services to strengthen your protocols. Check out some examples of managed IT services to learn more about IT support for businesses.

3. Prepare a Threat Response

Prevention is better than cure, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come prepared. Online hackers and thieves are becoming more skilled as the digital world advances. Once they compromise your business, you could lose customers and even progress.

This can be even more concerning if you hold vital customer information. This includes details like personal information, banks, and credit card numbers. To minimize the damage, ensure to have a threat response prepared.

Invest in tools and programs that protect sensitive data. Consider adding encryption and monitoring end-user behavior. This allows you to investigate and take proper action if you get compromised.

4. Use a Firewall

A firewall is one of your first levels of defense in online business security. This kind of system helps you protect your network from unauthorized access. Most operating systems like Windows and Apple have built-in firewalls.

These systems protect your devices from identity theft and viruses. Ensure to enable and configure your firewalls, so they remain effective against hackers. If you have remote workers under your wing, make sure they have a VPN or firewall on their computers.

5. Encourage Strong Passwords

Strong and safe passwords must be a priority, even outside of personal accounts. In a business setting, losing one password can compromise your entire system. Studies show that 81% of business data breaches are due to weak, stolen, or lost passwords.

To reduce the risk of data breaches, ensure to encourage safe password practices. Teach your employees the importance of using strong passwords. You may also replicate or initiate your own parameters for passwords.

Some websites require both uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. It’s also good practice to use different passwords across different accounts and applications. Many businesses have begun using password managers to monitor their passwords better.

If you own a small business, a password manager can be beneficial to you. Invest in a good app that can safeguard all your passwords with one key password.

6. Back-Up Your Data

Aside from preparing a threat response plan, ensure to back up company data on a regular basis. It’s best never to assume you’re completely safe, even if you have good security policies. Avoid keeping sensitive data and personal information on only one device.

You can look into external storage solutions or cloud services for businesses. Many businesses today turn to cloud storage because it’s more flexible and scalable. You may even opt to have a hard copy of your data.

Aside from personal accounts and databases, you must also back up spreadsheets. Don’t forget to create copies of financial files and human resource files. Consider implementing a schedule for when to back up your files.

Experts recommend doing this at least once a week. Backing up your data minimizes the damage done if your business gets compromised. Even if you lose progress, you’ll be able to bounce back in no time.

7. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication is another great way to layer up your security precautions. Multi-factor authentication calls users to complete another step before they can access data. Users can verify their identity with security questions, emails, and even SMS.

Even if hackers get your password, they won’t be able to access your company data without a PIN. At the very least, they’ll have a hard time doing so.

8. Use the Right Anti-Virus Software

Aside from your OS and firewall, ensure to have the right anti-virus software. This serves as another line of defense against phishing emails and scams. Some phishing scams are becoming more advanced.

These traps can now install malware on a company computer when a user clicks the link. Anti-virus and anti-malware software can protect you from significant damage.

Cybersecurity Tips to Protect Your Small Business

Here are some crucial cybersecurity tips to help you keep your business safe online. Backing up your data and using strong passwords is only the beginning of good business security.

Want to learn more about keeping your business safe from all kinds of threats? Check out our other blog posts to discover more tips and guides.