Some small businesses believe cybersecurity does not apply to them. However, this most often results in data breaches and incidents in the long run. So in this post, we will cover cybersecurity essentials that should work for small businesses.
Cybersecurity Essentials- Small Businesses
Security Updates
The most basic thing to do is to make sure your operating systems are up-to-date, with all the latest patches and updates installed. Windows and Mac have auto-update functions that apply patches in the background, but you need to be diligent about checking for updates manually. So make sure you check all computers on the network (not just the PCs) to make sure they are patched.
What’s more, you should keep an eye out for new releases. As new vulnerabilities are found, Microsoft and Apple will release fixes in the form of security updates. So make sure you keep an eye on these new releases and install them as soon as possible.
When it comes to software, make sure you always download software directly from the vendor’s website – rather than a third-party site like CNet or Softonic. This will help you avoid potentially dangerous modified versions of the program that could have malicious code embedded in them.
Security Software
There are several different types of security software that businesses should look into using:
Antivirus Software
Antivirus software scans files, applications, and emails for malware that could damage or take control of a computer or network. They are generally essential for any business with more than a few computers. Not just because of the potential data loss from infected machines, but because it also protects your other employees from accidentally sending out infected attachments or email messages themselves.
Firewalls
Firewalls are like bouncers at a nightclub – they check for potentially illegal guests and keep them out if they don’t belong (or if they’re too drunk). In this case, firewalls scan data packets on your network looking for hackers trying to enter undetected via the internet or other methods.
Besides, firewalls can restrict access between different parts of a network (i.e., create ‘zones’), so users can only access certain parts of the network while blocking everything else.
Wi-Fi Security
If you have any Wi-Fi networks in your building, make sure they have password protection and encryption. This will protect your data if someone were to use previously stolen credentials to log in to your Wi-Fi connection (i.e., using someone else’s password or even one generated by a password cracking tool ).
Data Backups & Cloud Storage
Even if you follow all the above advice, you still need to prepare for the worst. If a hacker does manage to get into your network, or if you suffer a ransomware infection, you want to make sure you have backups or off-site copies of your data.
What’s more, you should look into using cloud storage. This keeps your data safe off-site, but it also means you can access your data from any device with an internet connection. Some cloud storage services also encrypt the data before sending it over the internet, protecting it from potential hackers.
