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5 Key Guidelines to Secure Your Small Business

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be a daunting challenge for small business owners. By following these five simple steps, you’ll gain a basic understanding of how to protect your business. While these tips can’t guarantee complete protection from all cyberattacks, they’ll help you be more secure than 80% of your competitors.

Let’s move in the right direction toward better security.

Step 1: The Importance of Strong Passwords

  • Turn on password protection – It’s surprising how many devices still aren’t secured by a password. A complex PIN or password can block unauthorized access to your devices. Ensure that all devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc.) are protected with strong passwords or PINs.

  • Use strong passwords – Avoid simple or easily guessable passwords. Use long, complex passwords for all devices and accounts, and ensure full encryption is enabled on laptops and PCs. Additionally, make sure to use different passwords for different accounts to reduce the risk if one is compromised.

  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – For crucial accounts, enable 2FA. This adds an extra layer of security, requiring more than just a password.Even if your password is compromised, an attacker would still need something you own to gain access to your account.

  • Change default passwords – Always change default passwords on devices and software to prevent unauthorized access. Default passwords are often easy to guess, and many devices or software packages rely on insecure settings that can be exploited by attackers.

Step 2: Protect Against Malware

  • Install and enable antivirus software – Ensure antivirus software is active on all computers and laptops. This is typically included in popular operating systems. For mobile devices, follow the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) guidance on security settings. Also, regularly update your antivirus software to protect against the latest threats.

  • Enable a Web Application Firewall (WAF) – A WAF helps prevent hackers and bots from attacking your website. Especially if you offer services that allow clients to input data, this is critical to blocking SQL injections, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other common web-based attacks.

  • Control USB Drives and Memory Cards – USB drives and memory cards can pose security risks if used carelessly. To prevent malware infections, you should:

    • Restrict access to USB ports for most users.
    • Use antivirus software to scan devices.
    • Allow only approved drives and memory cards within the organization.

Step 3: Securing Smartphones and Tablets

  • Ensure all devices are up-to-date – Consistently update your devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, with the latest software and firmware. Enable automatic updates to maintain security at all times. Replace devices that are no longer supported or outdated, as they may no longer receive security patches.

  • Enable device tracking, locking, and wiping – If a device is lost or stolen, use built-in tools to track, lock, or remotely wipe the device’s data to secure your information. This feature can be a lifesaver in protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access.

  • Avoid unknown Wi-Fi hotspots or use them only in conjunction with a VPN – Public Wi-Fi hotspots, such as those in hotels or coffee shops, can be risky because you cannot verify who controls the network. Connecting to these hotspots may expose your personal or work login details to unauthorized access. Instead, consider using a personal wireless hotspot. Alternatively, use a reputable Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data while working over public Wi-Fi. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, such as online banking, whenever possible.

Step 4: Recognize and Avoid Phishing Attacks

  • Restrict access to reduce risks – Grant employees access solely based on their role requirements. This strategy minimizes the chances of privilege abuse or unauthorized access by attackers navigating the system unchecked. Regularly review access privileges to ensure that employees only have access to the resources they need.

  • Train staff on operational risks – Ensure staff are aware of normal working practices and know how to spot suspicious communications, like fake invoices or money transfer requests. This should also include recognizing phishing-specific threats, such as suspicious links or unfamiliar email addresses.

  • Spot the signs of phishing – Common phishing signs include poor grammar, urgent threats, and unfamiliar senders. Be cautious of emails requesting payments, offering too-good-to-be-true deals, or asking you to scan QR codes. Always verify requests directly with the supposed sender via a trusted communication method.

  • Encourage reporting of phishing attempts – Create a supportive environment where staff can report suspicious emails without fear of punishment. Implement automated phishing detection tools and make reporting phishing attempts a standard procedure for the entire team.

  • Manage your digital footprint – Review and control the information shared about your business online. Be mindful of personal data shared by employees that can be used by attackers to craft convincing phishing emails or to target specific individuals. Regularly monitor social media and company websites for exposed personal or sensitive information.

Step 5: Never Forget to Backup

  • Determine essential data – Identify the vital information your business relies on, including documents, emails, and contacts, and ensure they are securely backed up. Regularly back up your data, not just during emergencies, because by then it may be too late.

  • Store backups separately – Keep backups on a separate device (USB, external drive, or another computer) that’s not always connected to your main device. This protects your backups from malware or ransomware. Additionally, ensure that your backups are encrypted to protect sensitive data.

  • Consider Cloud Storage – Cloud storage offers a secure, cost-effective option for storing backups away from your location, reducing risks like fire or theft. Ensure that any cloud backup solution is reputable, and that you use strong encryption for data stored in the cloud.

Final Thoughts

By implementing these simple cybersecurity practices, you can significantly reduce the risks for your company. While no single solution can guarantee complete protection, the combination and coordination of these mechanisms will make your business more resilient to cyber threats.

Stay vigilant and proactive, and you’ll be better prepared to face today’s cybersecurity challenges.

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