Why it matters to your business
- In 2021, companies will lose over $6 trillion worldwide from cybercrime. That’s a huge number that is estimated to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025.
- Small businesses often believe they are too small to be at risk of cybercrime. However, they are targeted most often by hackers because they often lack a security strategy and company-wide security training that can protect them.
- Secure your small business against one of the biggest risks to companies everywhere. Identify and implement strategies now to keep your company’s and your clients’ data safe.
Here are 5 Proactive Strategies to Secure Your Small Business
1) Make Remote Access to Company Information Secure
Because of advances in technology and changing work habits since 2020, working remotely has become more common for many employees. Is your network properly secured for work-from-home or other remote environments?
Enhanced security protocols for accessing your organization’s network for employees who work remotely or on mobile devices will greatly reduce the risk of being hacked. In addition, implementing today’s advanced security measures will not impair convenience or productivity.
2) Adhere to Basic Security Guidelines
Government agencies and private organizations have developed basic guidelines to promote cybersecurity. In an ever-changing environment, it is important for you to become aware of and to implement these guidelines.
Frequently, security guidelines will require you to update your software and systems. Doing so might require technical expertise to make sure that your organization’s and clients’ data and property remain secure.
Beyond technological safeguards, you should also develop and enforce policies about who can have access to your network and sensitive information.
3) Invest in Employee Security Awareness Training
Shockingly, many security breaches occur in-house due to employees’ responding to spam emails or failing to use strong, frequently updated passwords.
Since phishing attempts and evolve continually, you should conduct security training for all new employees. Further, current employees should be trained several times a year to spot breach attempts and to observe password management requirements.
Because of the importance of security awareness training, do not hesitate to ask for help in implementing a training plan.
4) Implement a Backup Plan
At a minimum, you should have some form of backup plan. We all know that backups are great for the occasional “Whoops! I just deleted that folder.”
But what about when ransomware runs through your entire server? What about other “I hope that never happens to my office” moments you hear about online? Develop a full-fledged Disaster Recovery Plan. Simple as that. Some of our clients today report that their insurance companies are mandating such disaster plans.
5) Consistently Stay Vigilant
Do you and your staff keep an eye on security as a top concern? Think about guards stationed at every reception desk in every corporate building. They walk the premises, check locked doors, make sure people are authorized to get in — it’s a continuous cycle of security. Don’t ever let your guard down.
Security is a moving target, and someone needs to keep an eye on it. The best way to do this is to ensure that you have a strong plan in place and that everyone on your team is an active player.
Be proactive. Secure your small business by implementing these important strategies today.
If you have concerns about the security of your IT system, please reach out to me today.