10 Proven Strategies to Enhance Cybersecurity for Small and Medium Enterprises
Running a business is a big job, and if you have a small or medium business enterprise, you’re likely wearing a lot of different hats and responsible for many different aspects of the business. Imagine that you have solid processes in place, a fantastic team, and a growing customer or client base. What could be better? Then, a security breach hits, or your date becomes vulnerable. What now? Your hard-earned business processes and smooth workflow are hit with a major hurdle that can be difficult to recover from. The solution could be to enhance your business’s cybersecurity. Check out these ten simple tips to help you do just that.
1. Update, Update, Update
This sounds like a given, but it’s so easy to override scheduled updates, forget to make sure equipment or devices are plugged in and on a stable network, or pause using computers or devices to make sure they receive their scheduled updates. However, making sure programs and software is updated can go a long way in protecting your information, so do some due diligence and make sure things are getting the necessary updates rather than letting this simple aspect slide. From your web browsers to your operating systems, you and your bottom line will thank you when you do this step.
2. Utilize Firewalls or Antivirus Security
There’s more data than ever online and more dangers than ever before too. Whether you go with a simple firewall or a more intricate antivirus security system, protecting your business internet from attacks is critical in protecting important information. Since state cybersecurity laws can differ, having control over your firewalls and online security is important. A Dallas managed service provider, for example, will know what the Texas regulations are and how they might differ from other major cities or states.
3. Consider Mult-Factor Authentication
Many businesses are turning towards multi-factor authentication. Whether it’s for use by customers, employees, or both, this additional layer of security can provide valuable protection and give you priceless peace of mind. This is considered so effective, in fact, that it is believed to stop 99% of attacks.
4. Back Up Important Information to Keep Data Safe
Losing data can be just as detrimental as having it breached, plus if you need to stop using programs or move information, you’ll need backups. Store backups of critical information in a secure place that you can retrieve if necessary. Starting from scratch and not having key information for your business can be devastating, but having backups can avoid the difficulties if something goes awry with your digital security measures. You’ll be able to have peace of mind and restore your information if there is an issue.
5. Consider a VPN for More Secure Business Interactions
Virtual private networks are a simple and affordable solution that provides additional cybersecurity measures. Not only are these widely available, but they rely on a solid level of security to protect your data. These systems encrypt connections, thereby providing more protection for your important business information and interactions.
6. Require Strong, Secure Passwords
For employees and customers, passwords are critical for good protection. Avoid creating a weak spot in your business practices by requiring strong and secure passwords that are difficult to hack. This is another simple measure that everyone at the company can feel good about, no matter what size of business enterprise you have.
7. Limit Employee Access to Sensitive Data
The more people who have access to sensitive information, the greater the likelihood that there could be a security breach. Consider limiting access to critical information only to select employees that directly need it, and ensure strong passwords and access are in place to keep it safe. Following best practices for digital communication can also ensure online safety.
8. Monitor Physical Access and Use Lock Screens
Rather than having open access to devices, you can consider having employees log in with specific access and have lock screens enabled when devices are not in use. You can also limit physical access to equipment to specific employees or groups of employees in order to better monitor what activity occurs. Having guidelines and safety measures in place as to what software and programs employees can and cannot install on company equipment may also be helpful.
9. Train Employees Well With Best Cybersecurity Practices
All the best cybersecurity protection strategies in the world won’t be effective if employees don’t know about them or don’t know how to utilize them. Ensure that all employees are aware of company best practices, requirements, and guidelines on cybersecurity and check that these protocols are being followed on a regular basis.
10. Be Diligent and Check to Assess Risks Regularly
Being proactive is one of the most important cybersecurity strategies small and medium businesses can employ. Just being aware, taking steps to assess and look for current risks, and monitoring where the business is at in terms of its cybersecurity measures can help you decide what to change, implement, or increase to help protect the company.
