Cybersecurity has been a business concern for decades. Yet while the focus was often on large enterprises, small businesses are being increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. The reason for this is simple: they assume smaller operations have weaker defenses.
In many cases, it’s not simply an assumption – it is reality. That’s why, if you’re running a fledgling business, you must invest smartly in cybersecurity to shield against costly attacks and downtime.
Here are five essential areas to focus on when building your resistance levels.
1. Employee Training and Awareness.
Did you know most breaches happen because of human error? Even if you did, it can still be difficult to fathom its overall role. An IBM study revealed that human error was a major contributing factor to 95% of breaches.
After all, exposing your entire network may only take one misplaced click on a phishing email. That’s why specific cybersecurity training is imperative. Employees should be taught to spot suspicious emails, create strong passwords, and follow correct data handling procedures. Furthermore, regular refreshers and even simulated phishing tests can help keep security at the forefront of your team’s mind.
2. Endpoint Protection.
Every device that connects to your network – from laptops to smartphones and tablets – represents a potential entry point for attackers. It’s true. That’s why you must invest in endpoint protection software. Doing so assists in monitoring and securing these devices against threats like malware and ransomware.
What endpoint protection software is best? When looking for solutions, check that they offer real-time threat detection and automatic updates. These elements are particularly key if your team works remotely or uses personal devices for business tasks.
3. Secure Hosting Solutions.
For customers, your website is often the first point of contact. It’s also a prime target for attacks. Because of this, choosing the right site hosting solution can go a long way to protecting your online presence.
One recommended path to take is VPS hosting with DDoS protection. Specialist VPS hosting offers dedicated resources and top-of-the-line defense mechanisms against DDoS attacks. This setup guarantees you’re better prepared for potential attacks. It also means that, even during an attack, your site remains accessible, and customer data stays secure.
4. Data Backups and Disaster Recovery.
You might have the best security in place. However, no system is completely immune to attacks. If something does go wrong and a breach occurs, having regular backups means you can quickly restore your operations.
It’s recommended to use both onsite and offsite backups. These should be tested frequently. Additionally, a solid disaster recovery plan should highlight how to respond to different incidents. The result is that downtime and data loss are both minimized.
5. The Right Access Controls.
Even if it is a small business, not every employee needs access to all files and systems. Limit access to sensitive information based on roles and responsibilities. Speaking of access, it’s also wise to set up multi-factor authentication for an additional layer of security. It’s a simple step to take, yes, but it’s also one of the most effective ways to block unauthorized access – even if passwords are compromised.
Leave a Reply