This post will take you to the understanding of cybersecurity what is it for small businesses. Here, you will understand the following:
- what’s at risk?
- how to mitigate the risk?
Small Businesses In Cybersecurity
Just how vulnerable are small businesses to cyber harm?
Many do neglect the need of imposing cybersecurity measures because they feel confident enough that they are not subject to harm.
But, is it?
Consider what research by the Better Business Bureau suggests.
“Cyberthreats are not just a problem for big corporations and governments. Because small businesses can be targets too.”
Moreover, the same research suggests that more than 22% of small businesses have been victims of cyberattacks. Almost half of that percentage just occurred the past year.
So, what is the point?
Small businesses should reject the “nothing-to-steal” mentality. Although many today realize the need for cybersecurity, a lot still do not know how.
What Should You Protect For?
If you are a small business, could you be one of those asking, “what should I be protecting for?”. Consider the following list, for instance.
- Customer’s credit card information
- Product designs
- Manufacturing processes
- Client list
- Financial records
- Third-party data
Actually, there is still more at risk. But these are just some of the most common ones.
Cybersecurity What Is It?- Simple Measures
Now that we are well aware of the need for cybersecurity, what steps should you take?
Consider the following simple measures you can take.
Equip employees through training
First of all, it is vital to have everyone on board. One way you can do so is through training. In addition, employees can be sources of weak points also. So it is vital that their cyber habits should cooperate with your company’s cybersecurity initiatives.
This training should include the following at least:
- What cybersecurity is?
- Why is it important?
- How can each employee do his part?
- What is the company’s policy about this?
- What are the different cybersecurity attacks?
- How can you spot an attack?
Conduct a risk assessment
Risk assessments can provide you insight into how to better deal with and manage a company’s cybersecurity health. It also helps companies analyze potential risks and existing vulnerabilities.
Thus this practice is a vital one prior to any other cybersecurity measure. Since this assessment can then serve as your basis for the next security measures.
Install antivirus software and firewall
This step may sound too simple and basic. But when neglected, this can mean serious harm. Also, it is vital to protect not only company computers and servers. But also the personal devices used by employees.
Have regular software updates
Regular updates are important to keep your software smoothly running. So in case, there are loopholes and insecurities, necessary patches can be done. Thus strengthening your system’s immunity from mutating attacks.
Regularly back up files
Backing up files may be part of system maintenance but actually, it does more with a business’ disaster recovery. Because when an incident occurs, data should be compromised. But when you have files backed up, your business can still run.
