Nearly every business in the world relies on the internet in some way. No matter if they are an e-commerce business or just store customer data on a computer, almost all companies rely on the internet in some way. The web is a great tool for business expansion, but it also presents a major problem: cyber threats.
Many businesses don’t place cybersecurity on their priority list despite the number of cyberattacks that occur each year. This is particularly true for small to medium enterprises (SMEs). However, 43% were against small businesses in 2020. This is not surprising for cybersecurity experts, who know that SME security is often neglected.
If you don’t have one, it’s time for one. But, you don’t have to spend thousands on security measures or tools to improve your security. Do you need some assistance in figuring this out? These are the 4 most important and cost-effective ways to protect your business from cyber-attacks.
1. Encryption makes it possible to secure your network and company data
It may seem like “encryption”, “network security” and similar terms require a lot more work and expertise. There are simple ways to ensure security, even if you’re not a cybersecurity expert.
It is easy to grasp the concept of encryption. It is a way to encrypt data so that only authorized users can decipher and view the data. A VPN is the easiest way to secure a network connection, especially in these times of remote work.
With the availability of many encryption tools and cloud services, data security has never been easier. However, cloud services may not always be safe. It is important to choose a VPN, encryption tool, and cloud provider that meets your business’s requirements at an affordable cost.
2. Incorporate security training into the company culture
Cybersecurity should not be something you just cross off the list and forget. It should be a part of every person’s workday. This requires a change in the company culture to make security more conscious. Regular training is required.
Employees must understand their roles in protecting the company. It’s important to understand your role in keeping the company safe. Make sure employees are aware of what cyberattacks (like Phishing) look like, how they can be detected, and what to do in the event of a breach.
3. Make sure your passwords are protected
Passwords must be kept safe at all costs. This means that you should follow the most recent advice regarding password storage, creation, and sharing. Passwords should be unique and not shared among accounts. Experts now agree that passphrases are better. Passphrases are composed of unrelated words that contain both upper- and lowercase letters as well as numbers.
There’s also the possibility of the password being stolen if it is written down or shared with an employee. A password manager can solve both storage and sharing problems. Premium password managers are reliable and can be linked to multiple accounts with business packages.
4. Keep up with the changing risks
Cyber threats can only be avoided if you are aware of them. These threats are always changing as criminals increase their efforts to keep up with detection. It is important to keep up to date with cybersecurity trends and news.
Knowing is half of the job. Action is the other half of the job. This means that employees must be trained and educated on security issues. This also includes ensuring regular backups are made and stored securely.
Every business, regardless of size, should have a plan for dealing with a cyberattack. This plan should outline what employees are expected to do, how they will communicate with stakeholders, and who will be responsible for mitigating any damage. This will typically fall under the CISO (chief security officer) for larger companies. It may fall under the responsibility of the owner or IT chief in a smaller company.
Conclusion
No business, no matter how large or small, can afford to ignore cybersecurity. Every year digital threats increase in complexity and scope. It’s only a matter of time before criminals come knocking. Take precautions now.
