Cybersecurity attacks pose a serious threat to small businesses and the U.S. economy. The FBI’s Internet Crime Report estimates that cybercrimes cost $2.7 billion annually in 2020.
Because they are often able to access information that cybercriminals need, small businesses can be attractive targets.
A recent survey by the SBA found that 88% of small-business owners believed their business was at risk from a cyber attack. Many businesses don’t have the budget for professional cyber IT security solutions or the time or knowledge to start.
Learn about computer security threats and understand where your company is at risk. Then, take steps to improve cybersecurity.
Common threats
Cyber-attacks change constantly, but business owners need to be familiar with the most common.
Malware
Malware (malicious code) is a broad term for software that has been intentionally created to cause harm to computers, servers, clients, and computer networks. Ransomware and viruses are two examples of malware.
Viruses
Viruses are malicious programs that spread from one computer to another (and other connected devices). Viruses can be used to gain access to your computer system by cybercriminals.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that restricts computer access and infects computers until ransom is paid. Ransomware is typically delivered via phishing emails. It exploits software vulnerabilities that are not patched.
Phishing
Phishing refers to a cyber-attack that infects your computer with malware or collects sensitive information. It can be done via email or a malicious site. Phishing emails look like they have been sent by a known organization. Many of these emails encourage users to click on links or open attachments containing malicious code. Your computer could be infected by malware after the code has been run.
Evaluate your business risk
Understanding your vulnerability to an attack is the first step to improving cybersecurity.
A cybersecurity risk assessment will help you identify areas where your business is at greatest risk. It can also help you to create a plan for action that includes user training, guidance on how to secure email platforms and advice on protecting information assets.
Assessment and planning tools
While there is no substitute for IT support, whether it’s an employee or an external consultant, businesses with limited resources can still improve their cybersecurity.
FCC Planning Tool
Federal Communications Commission provides a cybersecurity planning tool that will help you create a strategy that is tailored to your business needs.
Cyber Resilience Review
Cyber Resilience Review (CRR), a non-technical assessment that evaluates operational resilience and cybersecurity practices, is offered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Either you can do the assessment yourself or ask for a DHS cybersecurity professional to facilitate it.
Vulnerability Scanning
You will find free vulnerability scanning services. It can help protect your networks that are connected to the internet from known vulnerabilities and weak configurations. A report will be sent to you per week detailing your actions.
Management of Supply Chain Risk
This can help protect your business data from sophisticated supply chain attacks. This toolkit was developed by the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency, (CISA) and will help you increase awareness and decrease the impact of supply chain risk.
Best practices in cybersecurity
Your employees should be trained
Small businesses are at risk from data breaches due to email and employee leakage. It is possible to train employees about basic internet best practices and prevent cyber-attacks. The Department of Homeland Security’s Stop. Think. The “Connect” campaign provides training and other materials.
These are some of the topics you can cover in your training:
- Recognize phishing emails
- Using good browsing practices
- Avoiding suspicious downloads
- Creating strong passwords
- Secure customer and vendor information
- Cyber hygiene is important
- Keep your antivirus software up-to-date
You should ensure that all computers in your company are equipped with antispyware software. You can easily find such software online from many vendors. Software vendors provide regular updates and patches to their products in order to fix security issues and improve functionality. All software can be configured to automatically install updates
Protect your networks
Use a firewall to protect your Internet connection and encrypt information. Make sure your Wi-Fi network is secured and hidden. Set up your router or wireless access point so that it doesn’t broadcast your Wi-Fi network’s name (also known as the Service Set Identifier, SSID). You can password-protect your router’s access.
Use strong passwords
Strong passwords are a great way to increase your cybersecurity. Use different passwords for different accounts. Strong passwords include:
10 characters and more
- Minimum one uppercase letter
- Minimum one lowercase letter
- Minimum one
- Minimum one unique character
- Multifactor authentication
Multifactor authentication requires additional information, such as a security code sent by your phone. Multifactor authentication is available for accounts that are sensitive, particularly financial institutions.
Secure sensitive data and back it up
Backup your data
Backup all data regularly. Word processing documents, electronic spreadsheets and databases, financial files, human resource files, and accounts receivable/payable data are all critical data. If possible, back up data at least once a week and keep the copies offsite or on the internet.
Secure payment processing
To ensure that the best tools and anti-fraud services and validations are used, work with your bank or card processors. Additional security obligations may be imposed by your bank or processor. Separate payment systems from less secure programs. You should also ensure that you do not use the same computer for processing payments or surfing the Internet.
You can control physical access
Unauthorized individuals cannot access or use business computers. Laptops are easy targets for theft and can be lost so make sure to lock them away when they’re not being used. Each employee should have a unique user account and strong passwords. Only trusted managed IT service provider should have administrative privileges.
Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you need to know more about cybersecurity and how you can protect your information against online threats.
SpartanTec, Inc.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-418-4792
https://manageditservicescharleston.com/
Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston
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