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Abstrakt Marketing2024-12-02 11:15:282024-12-30 09:02:35A Guide to Measuring Cybersecurity AwarenessCybersecurity Risks Are Rising
Each day, cyberthreats grow more elaborate as technology continues to evolve and adapt. For small businesses, this presents quite a danger, because unlike large corporations or legacy enterprises, they often don’t have the means to fend off coordinated attacks.
Knowing your risks is the first step in mounting your cyber defense. Below, you’ll find just a few of the most common SMB cybersecurity risks to be aware of.
Ransomware
As mentioned above, ransomware attacks are one of the most common attacks on small businesses. In these cyberattacks, bad actors use malicious software to encrypt your data until you pay them a ransom.
Once this is paid, you receive a decryption key to get your files back. However, recent data shows that the average ransom price is around $139,000. For small businesses, these attacks are devastating—many victims have to close their doors for good.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks and other forms of social engineering are one of the most common ways malicious users try to gain access to your network. In many cases, attackers pose as a reputable organization, like your bank, and try to get you to reveal confidential information, like your login credentials, PIN, or security questions. Although phishing attacks may seem easy to avoid, they’re becoming more subtle and difficult to spot.
Misconfiguration
It’s estimated that 95% of security breaches can be traced back to human error. Whether you’re migrating software to a cloud-based platform or using devices within the Internet of Things (IoT), misconfiguration can leave large gaps in your network security.
Cloud migration isn’t necessarily a 1:1 data transfer—many applications need to be reconfigured for the cloud. If this isn’t performed with the utmost scrutiny, it can leave your system exposed.
Similarly, most IoT devices, including printers, copiers, and even your smart thermostat, come equipped with a rudimentary security protocol. If you don’t take the time to update their passwords and assess their security, they can be used as attack vectors to breach your network.
Not sure if your business can benefit from managed IT and cybersecurity? Contact us today to find out!
A Cybersecurity Plan for Small Businesses
To successfully defend your business from cyberthreats, you need a comprehensive cybersecurity solution. Below, we’ll explore some of the key defense strategies that can prevent security risks and cyberattacks on your small business.
Use Strong Passwords
One of the best ways to prevent cyberattacks on your small business is to use strong passwords. Secure login credentials make it difficult for hackers to break into your accounts and access sensitive business information. Here are a few ways you can craft a strong password:
- Prioritize length. Passwords 12 characters or longer are harder to crack.
- Don’t use common words or phrases. Passwords that use obscure words and unconventional substitutions are less likely to be compromised.
- Use letters, numbers, and special characters. Randomness also reduces the chance that your password is cracked.
- Don’t use personal information. When you tie your password back to your identity, you make it easier for malicious users to break into your account, since they know what to look for.
- Don’t repeat passwords across multiple accounts. Each one of your accounts should have a unique password, so if one account is compromised, the others stay safe.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication is another way you can improve your small business’s cybersecurity. This requires you to input multiple types of information to access your account. Here are some examples of multi-factor authentication:
- Entering your PIN
- Answering security questions
- Biometric identification
- SMS or phone call verification
Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to each of your accounts, so consider using it whenever it’s available.
Backup Your Data
Backing up your data is an essential component of any cybersecurity plan for small businesses. With information stored on a cloud-based platform or at a separate data center, you can easily maintain business continuity during a disaster. When backing up your data, consider using the 3-2-1 rule. This rule states that you should keep three copies of your data on two types of storage media, along with one additional copy stored in a physical location somewhere else. The 3-2-1 rule ensures that if your primary system goes down, there are still multiple ways to access your data.
Provide Employee Training
You can also prevent cyberattacks on your small business by providing employee cybersecurity awareness training. With targeted training, your staff will know how to spot social engineering attacks, use strong passwords, and operate safely online in general.
Update Software
Regularly updating software is a great way to prevent cyberattacks on your small business. These updates add new user functions and improve cybersecurity protocol. You can also install antivirus software and set it to scan after each update to make sure your network is safe for use.
Implement Firewalls
Firewalls are your network’s first line of defense against cyberthreats. These complex algorithms patrol your network and prevent suspicious scripts and users from accessing it. Hybrid or remote employees should install firewalls on their home networks so they don’t expose private business data while working from home.
Protect Mobile Devices and Endpoints
Be sure to secure mobile devices and endpoints, including your laptop, phone, and home desktop computer, with password protection. If you’re working remotely, use a VPN to encrypt your data too.
Restrict Network Access
To protect your small business from cybersecurity threats, you should also restrict access to your network and administrative functions. For example, employees shouldn’t have the ability to download software unless they are authorized to do so. These permissions prevent your employees from downloading malicious software or changing network settings.
Perform an IT Security Assessment
Finally, you can prevent cyberattacks on your small business by performing an IT security assessment with help from a managed service provider (MSP). These assessments will pinpoint any holes in your cybersecurity protocol, and your MSP can provide recommendations to address them.
Looking for a Cybersecurity Company for Your Small Business?
In today’s fast-moving digital age, every business needs a comprehensive cybersecurity plan. Upfront Computer Solutions provide custom IT solutions for our clients. For over 20 years, we’ve helped businesses ward off every type of cyberthreat out there. Contact us today to start your cybersecurity journey with a free IT security assessment.
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