There are many business that are ensconced in a faulty reasoning that smaller companies or organizations are immune to cybercriminals.
One reason cybercriminals are so prevalent and successful is that many of their targets feel like they are too small with really nothing to steal, so it will never happen to them. They fail to take even the most basic safeguards to protect their data and thus become an easy mark.
The reality is that every individual and business has sensitive information that needs safeguarded. Whether you are a large global company or a small town mom and pop store, you are a potential cybercrime victim.
Once it’s Gone – There is no Way to Get it Back
The harsh reality of cybercrime is once your sensitive data is breached, it is gone. There’s nothing or no one to track and no way of getting it back.
Any business has an obligation to protect their online accounts, data and the personal information of their clients. Organizations that do not take cybersecurity seriously will not only lose sensitive data, they will lose their business too.
If you are a business owner and want to become proactive about cybercrime in order to avoid having your data stolen or held for ransom, here are a few ways to protect your business and your clients.
Cybersecurity Tips to Protect Your Business:
Password Security & Two-Factor Authentication
Create strong passwords and change them regularly. Also, have in place two-factor authentication that confirms a user’s identity by a combination of two factors, such as password and text message sent to their phone, fingerprint or voice verification. In addition, require all devices to have automatic lockout should it be lost or stolen.
Antivirus & Antispyware
Protect against spyware and viruses with up-to-date and the most effective antivirus and antispyware software.
Automatic ‘Off-Site’ Backups and Restore Capabilities
Have a regular automatic backup of ALL critical data consistently with capabilities of instant restore.
Secure Networks
Make sure your internet connections are secure by using a firewall and encryption. Also validate that your Wi-Fi network is secure and hidden via a ‘Service Set Identifier (SSID) and password protect access to router.
Monitor Systems
Best line of defense is to quickly identify any security issues as early as possible. This can only happen if your system is monitored to detect security breaches quickly in order shut down the compromised device(s) and mitigate further infiltration.
Employee Training
Educate employees about cyber threats and hold them accountable. Two-thirds of data breaches occur through human error such as weak passwords, leaving laptop or using unprotected wifi in a public area. One way to mitigate the danger of lax employees accidentally causing a data breach is to ensure that all employees be trained in data security.
Payment Security
Use best practices when handling credit cards and banking processes by using the most trusted and validated tools, as well as, anti-fraud procedures.
Limited Access
Establish data protocols that grant access levels to sensitive data, computers, devices and other network components that is appropriate according to an employee’s duties and responsibilities.
Question the Messenger
Your employees may receive an email from what appears to be a co-worker or even superior. This email may have an odd request like asking for an invoice or to send the company’s credit card information to pay a vendor. Teach employees to be aware and alert with ALL emails.
Question Authority
Cybercriminals may attempt to target you by posing as an authoritative figure in the digital world, such as your bank or Google, requesting you to update password due to an alleged compromise. Do not click that reset link. Go to your regular login link to verify its authenticity.
Do not let a cybercriminal into your digital properties to wreak havoc and destruction. Compromised data and security could be the end of your business. Be diligent, alert and proactive to keep your business safe and running
Establish the suggested safety protocols within the office and consult with an IT security company to help you avoid costly restore efforts. Comprehensive Data Security Strategies and Data Backup Protocols is a proactive way to avoid disastrous effects on your productivity and compromise of personal data.
Cybersecurity eBook
If you want to protect your sensitive accounts and information – and the data of your clients and partners – this cybersecurity eBook can help you do that.
Download the WSI eBook:
5 Cybersecurity Threats Your Business Can’t Afford to Ignore!
Related Articles:
Are You a Potential Cybersecurity Victim?
5 Tips on Protecting Your SMB from Cybercriminals
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