As a small business owner, you probably focus most of your attention on getting and keeping customers. Yet, protecting customer data is an equally critical aspect of running your company.
Unfortunately, many small businesses haven’t yet realized the dangers of customer data breaches. According to a new study, 53 percent of small businesses experienced a data breach. You can and must do more to protect customer data.
Fortunately, there are many simple cybersecurity tips to follow. Here are a few of the best suggestions.
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1. Establishing Effective Password Protocols
Companies should start by creating strong passwords. This is a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. There should also be restrictions on how often passwords must be changed.
Also, put in place how many failed login attempts there are before the account is locked out. To further protect passwords, two-factor authentication such as biometrics and token-based authentication should be used.
2. Setting Up an Antivirus Program
Setting up an antivirus program offers a layer of protection against malicious viruses. This includes worms, Trojans, and other malware. An antivirus program will scan incoming and outgoing emails.
As well as files, to identify and quarantine threats before they can cause any harm. Furthermore, an antivirus program can continuously track a system to identify any suspicious activity as it occurs.
3. Developing a Network Security Policy
A comprehensive network business security policy should include guidance on access control. It is to minimize unauthorized access and define violation consequences for improper usage. It should also include detailed guidance on how data should be collected, stored, used, and destroyed.
Additionally, it should contain a section dedicated to security monitoring and awareness. So you can ensure the company is regularly reviewing its networks and data.
4. Training Employees on Cybersecurity Practices
Employees should receive training on topics such as security policies and digital security procedures. They need to recognize phishing attempts, and best practices for email, Internet, and cloud use. Aside from formal training, businesses should turn to cybersecurity experts. This will help them explain the importance of cybersecurity and the potential implications of a breach.
Having a workforce that is knowledgeable in cyber security reduces risk and minimizes the chances of a successful attack. Additionally, implementing continuous training helps employees stay up to date on the latest threats and changes in technology.
5. Ensure Your System Backups Are Up To Date
System backups ensure that if your system is ever hacked or compromised by different forms of phishing attacks, you can recover any lost data or information quickly. As a business, it is best practice to always ensure your system backups are up to date. It is to avoid any costly or time-consuming problems if a breach were to occur. Backups can be easily conducted via automated software or manual backups of any important files.
Essential Cybersecurity Tips That Every Business Owner Should Know
Small businesses need to place a high priority on cybersecurity. Equipping yourself with the latest tools, having a clear user policy for your team, and understanding the basics of cyber threats are invaluable for a safe environment.
Investing in a managed security solution will help make sure your data and company assets stay safe. Speak with an IT expert to find the best cybersecurity tips for you and your business.
You can browse the rest of our blogs for more tips and advice.
