UPDATED July 20, 2023
Over the past years, multiple mega-businesses have experienced cyber attacks and collapses (not cyber related, but I'm still looking at you, Silicon Valley), throwing users into a frenzy when it comes to accessing and protecting their sensitive data. Though many large enterprises are hit by data breaches, smaller companies are experiencing more cyber attacks now than ever before. If you're not confident that you're prepared and protected, you need to make a pivot. Here are 5 tips on how.
When you lack a cybersecurity staff and have only a limited amount of resources, protecting sensitive data is a challenge – and many small businesses don’t even take security seriously. Unfortunately, over 80% of Small to Medium-Sized Businesses (SMB) underestimate cyber threats and believe they're not large enough to be a target. We're here to tell you, that is simply not true. The moral of the story: SMB’s should focus on cybersecurity just as much as larger enterprises do.
Here’s a list of cybersecurity tips you can use to prevent your SMB from becoming the next victim of a cyber attack.
Why Hackers Target SMBs
With technology ever evolving, SMBs struggle more than larger companies to adapt to cyberspace. As a result, smaller organizations rarely have the proper security in place to prevent, or even recognize, a cyber attack. Here’s why:
- Little to no dedicated IT staff
- Less likely to invest in security trainings
- Less likely to keep computer systems updated
- Hackers target vulnerabilities, and not specific users or organizations
5 Cyber security Tips for SMB
- Get a Hold of Your Data
Identify and analyze information assets. You should consider whether the data you store and transfer is truly necessary for business operations. All users within your organization should be conscious of the types of data being collected, and your business should have security measures in place that effectively manage and protect your data.
- Secure Your Network
All businesses have sensitive data, but not all the data needs to be connected to a network. Hackers can't read, steal, or delete sensitive data if it not connected. SSL encryption is also essential to building consumer trust with sensitive data and allows employers to defend against negligence claims for data breaches. Your organization must also have Wi-Fi-passwords to prevent outsiders from connecting to the network.
- Strong and User-friendly Sign-on
Strong passwords are critical to protecting your IT environment. Many security solutions offer two-step or two-factor authentication to prevent cyber attacks. Two-step authentication calls for an extra layer of security to make sure that employees cannot log into company accounts without a special code being sent to their mobile device. Single sign-on methods also provide more security and make it more convenient for the user with only one password.
- Invest in Cybersecurity Training
Don’t have a dedicated IT professional on your team or need to spruce up your team’s cybersecurity awareness and skills? Invest time in training employees on everything they need to know about computer security. From recognizing cyber threats to avoiding phishing attempts, make sure your team is well prepared on how to recognize threats and protect your infrastructure against an attack.
- Cybersecurity is Not JUST a Technical Problem!
Too often, business managers consider cybersecurity to be a factor only for the IT department. However, it is crucial for executives to devise a security strategy for their business, then execute on that strategy daily. Security software is necessary, but not sufficient enough, to address hacking concerns alone. Cybersecurity is not a technical issue, it’s an informed business decision and should be weaved into your SMB’s company culture.
Next Steps to Securing your data
Threats are becoming more advanced as technology evolves. The time is now to protect your small business with a higher level of security tools. Large enterprises invest millions of dollars in the best solutions to combat cyber attacks. At Centre Technologies, you don’t have to. Our cost-efficient solutions are designed specifically with the needs of your business in mind. Invest in a reasonable security solution that effectively protects your SMBs’ business assets and reputation.
Want to learn more about single-sign on? How about how gaining insight from unstructured data? Our team of certified consultants are here to assist you in devising a modernized and affordable security plan with best-of-breed technology solutions. Choose Centre as your trusted, technology provider. Contact us today.
Emily Kirk
