Security Guide For Small Businesses

Cybersecurity is something that we tend to think about very lightly. Cyber attacks are always happening to other people. We don’t think much about the consequences. Some of the most well-known names we know today fell prey to these kinds of attacks. 

Adobe Cyber Attack breached the data of 2.9 million users. Unfortunately, it is not something reserved exclusively for big players since you never know who is lurking on the other side of your screen.

It is well known that all companies who experienced their data being stolen that they manage to retrieve only 45% of their data. It is a huge loss and it can suspend all the growth you had so far. 

As the technology outlook is changing, evolving, and improving, cyber-attacks are becoming even bigger threats. Cyber attacks can take a big toll on our business, data flow, and our finances. 

If you are running a small business, you know that saving is important. You need to think twice before you decide to spend some of your additional funds on something. But safety is beyond everything and every penny is worth it if you are buying peace of mind. Even if you are thinking that no one is actually watching you, you might be unpleasantly surprised. 

It will cost you less to spend money on enhancing your cyber safety than on your recovery. So how can you protect your business and your assets today?

So, what are the common cybersecurity threats?

Cybersecurity threats are becoming more and more common, especially for small businesses. Small businesses oftentimes think that cyber security measures are something that enterprises need to think about and they are left vulnerable to all sorts of threats. Here are some of the most common threats to watch out for:

1. Mobile malware can be concealed in apps that look legitimate, but are actually designed to compromise your device. Be sure to only download apps from reputable sources, and make sure to check all the details right. Some subtle details can help you uncover an entire threat behind it.

2. Ransomware is a virus that locks you out of your device. After that, it encrypts all your data. In this scary scenario, cyber attackers will ask for ransom in order to decrypt your data. Ransom is in most cases delivered in the form of Bitcoin which is untraceable. The virus can look like a simple email attachment or download link. 

3. Phishing attacks are designed to trick you into giving away sensitive information, like passwords or credit card numbers. 

These scams can come in the form of emails, text messages, or even phone calls pretending to be from a trusted source. You can actually get scammed even via regular mail. Yup, it went that far and the main goal is getting your money or your data. Opening a  virtual mailbox can help you add a layer of mail security. 

Be very careful about who you share information with, and never give away passwords or other sensitive data unless you’re absolutely sure you’re dealing with a legitimate source.

4. Social media is a great way for all-size businesses to engage better with their target audience. But behind the all glitz and glam, it can be a really fertile ground for all sorts of cyber attacks. 

 Everything works similarly to phishing attacks. There is always a human element included in that equation. Employees may reveal sensitive information unwillingly which can cause a domino effect. 

Scammers will monitor everything, they can be following the person and utilizing social engineering tactics. 

So it’s important to be aware of the potential risks of social media and take steps to protect yourself and your business.

How can you protect your small business from security attacks?

The best defense against cyberattacks is being informed about this topic. Knowledge is the best weapon in fending off these kinds of attacks. 

Employee training might seem like something boring but it is extremely useful to educate your employees about potential scams. You can organize the red team and blue team exercises for your employees just to test out how they react in a real-time situation. 

Hiring a specialist is also a good idea to set the right foundations for cybersecurity. 

Ensure that you have clear policies about how sensitive data is handled in your organization. 

Make sure that you have secure network systems. The Internet is something we can’t think about our life and business without. So ensuring that your Internet connection is safe is also a logical step to take. A firewall sounds very cool and it is there for a reason. 

Antivirus software and anti-spyware are a must in today’s world. Make sure that all your gadgets and interconnected devices have the appropriate software.

It’s also important to take steps to protect your forms of payment from fraud.

One way to do this is to work with your bank to make sure you’re using the most up-to-date anti-fraud services. This can help you avoid costly credit card and banking fraud. 

Another important step is to back up your data often. Back up the backups and so on, it is always good to do it. If the cyber attack occurs, you will simply revert back to your data and move on. 

By taking these precautions, you can help keep your small business safe from fraudsters.

But, if the worst has happened, what can you do?

If you become the victim of a hack, it’s important to take immediate action. Change your passwords and contact your bank, email provider, and any other companies that may have been affected. 

You should also notify law enforcement so they can start investigating. And finally, get in touch with a cybersecurity expert to help you assess the damage and figure out what steps need to be taken to recover.

Also, Read; Security Guide for Small Businesses