Small to medium businesses are a vital part of the economy, accounting for more than half of all jobs in the United States. They are also a major target for cyberattacks, due to a lack for cybersecurity. In fact, 60% of small businesses experience a cyberattack each year, and 43% of businesses that suffer a data breach go out of business within six months.
The reason small businesses are such easy targets is because they often don’t have the same level of cybersecurity protection as larger businesses. They may not have dedicated IT staff or the financial resources to invest in security solutions. And they may not even be aware of the risks they face or how to protect themselves.
Keep reading to learn more about some of the best practices for small to medium sized businesses to increase your cybersecurity.
Utilize Anti-Virus Software and Firewalls
Small and medium businesses are a common target for cybercriminals. A firewall and antivirus software can help protect your business from these threats.
- Firewall: a piece of software or hardware that helps keep your computer safe from unauthorized access. It does this by blocking incoming and outgoing traffic based on predetermined rules.
- Anti-virus software: designed to protect your computer from viruses, malware, and other online threats. It does this by scanning all incoming and outgoing traffic for potential threats. If it detects a threat, it will take action to protect your computer.
Be Smart With Passwords
As a small business, you likely rely on passwords to keep your data and systems secure. However, using weak or easily guessed passwords can leave your business vulnerable to attack. Here are a few tips for creating safe and effective passwords:
- Use different passwords for different accounts. If you use the same password for multiple accounts, a hacker could gain access to all of them if they manage to hack one of them.
- Make your passwords strong. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols to create a password that is difficult to guess.
- Don’t use common words or phrases in your passwords. Hackers often use dictionaries to try and guess common passwords.
- Change your passwords often, to avoid any potential data leaks. The more often you change your password, the more difficult it is for your accounts to be hacked.
Write Down Your Cybersecurity Policies
One way to help protect your small business from cybercrime is by writing down your cybersecurity policies. By writing down your policies, you create a reference point for everyone in your company. This makes it easier for employees to understand their role in protecting the business, and it also helps ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to security.
Bottom Line
If you are a small or medium sized business, cybersecurity is an extremely important concept to get a handle on. The more security you have, the safer you will feel. Safety brings a peaceful and productive environment and mind. For more information about good cybersecurity practices and other solutions, visit Telewire.
