Running a successful small business can be hard enough, keeping in mind that you have to take care of everything from high-speed internet and interconnected mobile, to your financial information and social media accounts. However, there are more and more cyber-attacks happening every day, and targeted are usually successful small businesses.
US government crime data has published information which state that digital information theft has surpassed physical property theft as the most commonly reported type of business fraud. Having this in mind, as a business owner you should be concerned. Yet, there are some things which you can do to prevent this from happening. Here is what you can do to protect your business and users from growing threat of cyber-attacks.
All your computers should be equipped with the latest security software, web browsers and operating systems which are up to date. This is the best defense against viruses and malware and god-knows what else can be found out there.
Online threats are constantly evolving, and installing key software updates as soon as they appear will keep you protected. Every once in awhile, run a full computer scan and see if the antivirus missed something. In order to stay safe, you have to be up to date.
Secure Your Wi FI Connection
If you are running a Wi Fi network for your workplace, encrypting and securing it should be a priority. Also, once that is done, make sure you hide it from the search. In order to do so, set up your wireless access point or router so that it does not broadcast a network name. This is known as SSID (Service Set Identifier). Also, make sure you password protect the access to the router.
Remote Access Software
It is important for small business to have remote login software for security reasons; most workers are attached to one cloud, and that lowers its safety and increases the chances of crashing. To stay safe even in these situations, the solution is getting a solid remote access software. No matter what happens, you will always have full access to your information and accounts from anywhere in the world, as long as you use previously set remote access software.
Set up Your Firewall
Firewall is a set of programs which prevent outsiders from accessing data on your private network. Your operating system’s network has to be enabled; you can also install a free firewall program that can be easily found online. If your employees are working from their homes, make sure that their systems are also protected by a firewall.
One can never be too safe knowing that there are many cyber terrorists out there, waiting for a perfect opportunity to strike.
Backup all Relevant Information
Just in case, have a backup done regularly to prevent information loss. Critical data such as relevant business information and processing documents should be backed up on a daily basis. You can also set the option to backup your data after every business day or at least weekly and store copies either on the cloud or off site.
Protect Your Mobile Phones
More and more people are being targeted via their mobile phones. While attached to a network, your mobile phone is exposed to many potential cyber-attacks and data theft. In order to prevent the loss of critical and confidential information, make sure your mobile devices and those of your workers are password protected and encrypted.
Also, request from all mobile users to install a security software to prevent criminals from stealing information that are business related while the phone is connected to a public network.
Strengthen Passwords
Make sure that all your devices and those used by your employees have strong password protection. These strong passwords often include at least 1 capital letter, 1 number and 1 symbol. Also, length of the password should be between 7 and 14 characters. Consider adding a multi factor authentication that requires additional information beyond a password in order for one to gain entry.
There are many other cyber security tips, yet these are the essentials and fall in the category of the most important ones. Prevent data loss and cyber theft, and rest assured that you can safely browse the Internet.
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