Pop quiz: What type of businesses are cybercriminals’ favorite targets?
If you answered giant, multi-million dollar corporations, you would be wrong. The truth is that today’s hackers and bad actors don’t always go after big companies with deep pockets. Small businesses are actually more attractive because hackers assume they only have minimal cybersecurity essentials for protection.
The good news is that you don’t need a massive budget or an army of IT experts to build a solid defense. A few smart moves can turn your business into an impenetrable fortress.
Why Hackers Love Going After Small Businesses
Hackers are opportunists. They don’t just go after the biggest fish; they go for the easiest. Many small businesses operate with minimal encryption and security, such as weak passwords, outdated software, and thin firewalls, making themselves the weakest fish in the pond.
If you don’t implement strong cybersecurity measures, you might as well leave your doors unlocked with a neon sign that says, “Come on in!” Maintaining an attitude of “it won’t happen to us” can cost thousands of dollars in losses, damage your company’s reputation, and tank productivity.
Take These Simple Steps To Lock Down Your Business
Protecting your business from cyber threats doesn’t require a massive budget or decades of tech experience. Common sense solutions and a security-first mindset will stop most attacks.
Stronger Passwords for Everyone
Hackers love weak passwords, so making password best practices a requirement and using a password manager can keep them secure.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
With MFA, hackers with stolen passwords won’t get far. MFA requires a second verification step, like entering a single-use code. Most major platforms offer this protection, so turn it on wherever possible.
Keep Software and Systems Updated
Hackers actively seek ways to exploit security holes in outdated software. Stay alert to update and patch announcements, and enable automatic updates to critical operating systems, apps, and security software.
Understand That Humans Are the Weakest Link
Most cyberattacks start with human error. Someone forgets the cybersecurity essentials and clicks a suspicious link in a shady phishing email or uses a weak password, and suddenly, your system has a malware infection. Keep your employees up to date on recognizing and addressing suspicious activity to avoid expensive mistakes.
Secure Wi-Fi and Devices
Your business’s Wi-Fi should be password protected and encrypted. Ensure that company devices have security settings enabled, and encourage employees to use VPNs on public networks.
Make Backups a Priority
Ransomware attacks lock your data until you pay a ransom, and even if you pay, there’s no guarantee that the hackers won’t corrupt or copy it. Backups are the best defense against them. Store copies of essential files in the cloud and on external drives to restore data without paying cybercriminals.
Keeping Your Business Secure Is an Ongoing Effort
Cyber threats aren’t going away, but you don’t have to live in fear. Prioritizing cybersecurity essentials can protect your business from becoming an easy target. Adequate security isn’t a one-time fix; it’s an ongoing process, so stay vigilant and updated to stay secure.
