Take a Hike, Hackers: Small Business Cybersecurity Tips
Think your business is immune to cyberattacks? Think again. From a hacker’s perspective, the payout from an attack on a larger organization may be more lucrative—but it’s also more difficult to execute. Larger organizations tend to have more resources dedicated to cybersecurity; small businesses, on the other hand, typically have fewer defenses, making them a more appealing target.
If you’re storing customer data, taking payments online, or even just sending emails, your business could be at risk. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to protect your business (and your livelihood), without needing a full-blown, cybersecurity-focused team on staff. We’re breaking down key tips below.
Small Business Cybersecurity 101: Let’s Review the Basics
Know the Common Threats
Small businesses face all sorts of cyber threats—some you’ve probably heard of, like phishing attacks and data breaches. Others, like ransomware, might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie. And as we look to the future, cybersecurity isn’t going anywhere—it’s only becoming more important.
Phishing? It’s when cybercriminals trick you (or your employees) into giving up sensitive info like passwords. Ransomware? That’s when hackers lock up your data and demand money to get it back. With all the other challenges you face running a small business, the last thing you need is a cyberattack that could bring operations to a screeching halt.
Spot Your Weak Points
Now, let’s talk vulnerabilities. Outdated software, weak passwords, and unsecured networks are like a neon sign telling hackers, “Come on in!” Leaving these things unchecked is just asking for trouble. If your Wi-Fi isn’t secure or your software is older than your favorite office chair, it’s time for a serious upgrade.
Ready, Set, Protect! Launching Your Cybersecurity Plan
Audit Your Cybersecurity
First, you’ll want to conduct a cybersecurity audit, which simply means taking a good, hard look at where your business stands when it comes to cybersecurity. Basically, you’ll check out your current setup, identify the weak spots, and come up with a plan to fix them.
Not sure how to “check out” your current setup (or even what your current setup is?) It’ll likely include the following:
- Your network security: Is your Wi-Fi protected with a strong password and encryption?
- Software updates: Are all your programs and systems up to date, or are you running older versions?
- Password policies: How often are passwords changed, and how strong are they?
- Data backup procedures: Are you backing up data regularly, and where are those backups stored?
- Access control: Who has access to what information, and are you limiting access where possible?
In terms of identifying the weak spots, those can look like this:
- Weak or reused passwords (we see you, "password123")
- Outdated software, leaving you open to vulnerabilities
- Unsecured Wi-Fi networks or default router settings
- Lack of employee training on spotting phishing scams
- No formal incident response plan if something goes wrong
Lock It Down: Implementing Cybersecurity Measures
Post-audit, you’ve likely identified some problem areas. Now that you know where your cybersecurity stands (or where it’s lacking), it’s time to jump into action and put those essential fixes in place—ASAP. We’ll start with some easier-to-implement cybersecurity to-dos, followed by some more advanced action items that may require outside help.
Basic Cybersecurity Strategies
Passwords, Passwords, Passwords (And Multi-Factor Authentication)
Please don’t use “123456” as your password. Your first line of defense against cyberattacks is a strong (and by “strong,” we mean long, complex passwords that mix letters, numbers, and symbols). If you’re concerned about remembering strong passwords, a password manager tool like LastPass is a great option.
Even better than a strong password? Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA). Most platforms guide you through the setup steps, and tools like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator make the process painless.
Lock Down Your Network
Your network is basically the gateway to all your business’s valuable info. You wouldn’t leave your front door unlocked, so don’t leave your network unprotected. Here, securing your network can involve two simple steps:
- Change your router’s default settings. Update the default admin username and password for your router.
- Enable your firewall. Most routers have built-in firewalls that just need to be turned on. For encryption and more complex firewall configurations, it may help to call your internet service provider (ISP) or follow online tutorials.
(Pro-tip: If you’re looking for a connection that boosts both productivity and security, consider upgrading to fiber internet, which offers faster speeds, more reliable performance, and a better setup for business productivity.)
Backup Your Data—Religiously
Imagine your system crashes or gets hacked, and suddenly, all your data is gone. Nightmare, right? That’s why backing up your data is so important. Setting up automatic backups is as simple as choosing a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox, and letting these tools do the work for you.
Advanced Cybersecurity Strategies
Invest in Cybersecurity Software
Protecting your business isn’t something you can ignore. Invest in good cybersecurity software that covers malware, spyware, and other threats. Yes, there’s a bit of setup involved, but many solutions offer one-click protection that monitors your system 24/7 so you don’t have to.
Use Automated Threat Monitoring
You don’t have time to sit and watch for threats—that’s where automated threat monitoring comes in. Many cybersecurity programs will watch for suspicious activity and alert you if something’s up. It’s like having a security guard for your data, so you can focus on running your business.
Have a Plan (Just in Case)
Even with all the right tools, things can still go wrong. That’s why having an incident response plan is key. Start by creating a simple, clear plan: Who do you call if there’s a breach? Where is your backup data stored? Who manages the customer communications? Templates or a little help from an expert can go a long way here.
Choosing the Right Cybersecurity Solutions for Your Business
Evaluate Your Options
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to cybersecurity. Take some time to evaluate the different providers out there. Look at what they offer, check reviews, and make sure their solutions fit your business’s specific needs. Need some help? TDS offers a range of cybersecurity products designed to keep small businesses safe.
Balance Cost and Value
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but you also don’t want to skimp on protection. Think about it this way: the cost of cybersecurity is way less than the cost of a breach. Weigh the value of what you’re getting against the price and choose a solution that fits your budget without leaving you vulnerable.
Use Your Team
Got an IT-savvy employee or a tech enthusiast on staff? Leverage those internal resources to help manage and implement your cybersecurity measures. It’s a great way to get the protection you need without stretching your budget too thin.
Final Thoughts on Securing Your Small Business
The best approach to cybersecurity? Be proactive. Don’t wait until there’s an issue to up your cybersecurity game. Take the first step to protecting customer data and keep your business running smoothly.
For even more tips, visit our Small Business Internet Solutions Guide.
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