For 40 years, Speros has witnessed incredible growth in the small business landscape. We’ve also seen the threat of cyber-attacks increase over time, and the growing need for strong cybersecurity for small businesses.
While large corporations often have dedicated cybersecurity teams, small businesses sometimes lack the resources to build such departments. While it leaves funds free to fulfill other duties, it also can leave small business owners vulnerable to data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other costly security incidents.
The good news is that there are essential steps you can take to significantly improve your small business cybersecurity posture. We’ll outline some key areas you can focus on below.
1. Prioritize employee education on cybersecurity for small businesses
Your employees are often the first line of defense against cyberattacks. Phishing emails, for example, rely on tricking users into clicking malicious links or downloading malware. Educating your staff on common cyber threats and best practices is a must when it comes to cybersecurity for small businesses.
Conduct regular security awareness training. Train your employees to identify suspicious emails, recognize social engineering tactics that potential hackers might use, and understand the importance of strong passwords.
Implement a phishing simulation program. Regularly send simulated phishing emails to test your employees’ awareness and identify areas for improvement.
2. Secure your networks and devices
Strong network security is the foundation of a robust small business cybersecurity strategy.
Utilize a firewall. A firewall acts as a barrier, filtering incoming and outgoing traffic to prevent unauthorized access to your network.
Secure your Wi-Fi network. Use a strong WPA2 encryption protocol for your Wi-Fi network, and avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks. This will keep your company information and clients’ information secure, increasing consumer trust in your company.
Enforce strong password policies. Implement password complexity requirements, enforce regular password changes, and encourage the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
Keep software updated. Regularly update your operating systems, applications, and firmware to patch vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit.
3. Back up your data regularly
Imagine losing access to critical business data due to a cyberattack! Regular backups ensure that you can recover your information quickly and minimize downtime.
Implement a backup and recovery plan. Develop a plan that outlines how often you’ll back up your data, where you’ll store your backups (ideally offsite), and how you’ll restore your data in the event of an incident. For example, at Speros, we perform nightly backups of all client sites, which means that in case of an incident that might otherwise cause inconvenient or expensive downtime, we have a solid plan in place to get your site back online as quickly as possible.
Test your backups regularly. Don’t assume your backups are functional until you test them. Conduct periodic test restores to ensure that your data can be recovered successfully. Taking this extra cybersecurity for small businesses effort now can save you a lot of headaches in the future– we promise!
4. Implement third-party security solutions
Consider implementing additional security solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software: These programs scan your devices for malicious software and prevent them from infecting your systems.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): EDR solutions provide real-time monitoring and analysis to identify and respond to potential threats on your devices.
5. Develop a security incident response plan
No matter how strong your defenses are, cyberattacks still occur. Having a security incident response plan in place helps you react quickly and minimize damage in the event of a breach. This plan should outline roles and responsibilities, communication protocols, and the steps to take to contain the incident and recover your systems.
Cybersecurity for Your Small Business: Building a Future
By following these essential steps, you can significantly improve cybersecurity for your small business. Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process. Stay informed about emerging threats, regularly review your security protocols, and adapt your strategy as needed.
At Speros, we’re here to help you navigate the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape. We offer a range of solutions and services that are designed to protect your small business. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs so we can work with you to develop a fail-safe plan.
