In today’s world, it is more critical than ever before to protect your business from cyber threats. Reports indicate that ransomware attacks are on the rise across all industries, and phishing attacks are surging as well. While cyber fraud impacts businesses of all sizes, small businesses are particularly vulnerable because they often do not have robust strategies in place to mitigate risk. For this reason, small business owners should prioritize cybersecurity training for employees and establish best practices for technology usage.
Here are 6 tips to help get you started:
1. Provide basic cybersecurity training for employees. By far, the most important step you can take as a business owner is to ensure your employees have the knowledge they need to protect your business and minimize the risk of it becoming an easy target. Teach your employees how to spot phishing emails and avoid downloads from unknown sources, and make sure they know to never conduct business on unsecured internet networks. Consider holding quarterly meetings with your staff to review basic cybersecurity best practices
2. Use a professional cybersecurity training program. A variety of free and low-cost cybersecurity training programs are available to help your team better hone their cybersecurity skills. Consider these programs as a good starting point:
- Cyber Readiness Program: Specifically designed for small to medium-sized businesses, this training program can help you create a cybersecurity policy for your business and can provide training materials for employees.
- KnowBe4: This cybersecurity training company offers free tools, as well as subscriptions for monthly security awareness training, with prices starting around $45 a month. With hundreds of different training courses, your employees can become knowledgeable on a variety of threats.
- Phishing Simulators: There are several platforms offering interactive phishing simulations to help improve your company’s cyber defense strategy.
- National Cybersecurity Alliance: This public-private partnership provides virtual and in-person cybersecurity events, as well as extensive resources and guides to support your business’s cybersecurity efforts.
3. Keep your business software up to date. Ensure that all of the computers and digital tools being used by your business are running the latest software versions, and that all security patches and antivirus protection is up to date.
4. Enforce multi-factor authentication. One of the most effective ways to protect unauthorized access to your company’s computers, emails, logins, and network, is to mandate the use of multi-factor authentication. When multi-factor authentication is in place, it requires signing into systems and software with more than just a password. That way, if your employees’ login credentials are compromised, your business is still protected. Many platforms offer multi-factor authentication directly, and there are also business software solutions available that can help you enable multi-factor authentication across your business systems.
5. Protect sensitive data. From business data to customer information, it’s essential that you have a plan in place to mitigate risks associated with data compromises. This might include controlling physical access, payment processing, privilege management, and backing up data.
6. Stay apprised of the latest threats. Keep in mind that cyber threats are constantly evolving. Make it a point to stay knowledgeable about the latest scams and compromises that could impact your business. Sign up for cybersecurity newsletters, such as those offered by KrebsOnSecurity, CyberHoot, and The Security Ledger. The more you know, the better you can protect your business.
Developing cybersecurity awareness for your business is critical, and not something you should put off. By taking some time to train your employees, develop best practices, secure your technology, and stay educated on emerging cyber threats, you can help to protect your business. For more information on cybersecurity and trending business scams, visit our Business Security page.