Your small business is at risk of a data breach. While big names get their fair share of cyberattacks, small businesses are at risk, too. However, while the likes Apple and Microsoft have protection in place to protect themselves, small businesses are often lacking in terms of security.
A data breach can be catastrophic to small businesses. Here are a few ways you can ensure that your small business is safe from cyberattacks:
Go to the Cloud
Your data is better protected in the cloud rather than your spreadsheets. With the cloud, you have the advantage of having the security measures that big companies can afford to adopt and the best security experts to keep employed to prevent vulnerabilities. For platforms like ServiceNow, a security breach is less of a risk because they allow customers to immediately react and respond to threats.
Use Complicated Passwords
The password you and your employees use is crucial in keeping your data secured from any individual or group that has malicious intent. Encourage your team to use longer and stronger passwords to make it harder for thieves to access your data. You also should remind employees to change their passwords regularly as another layer of protection.
Your password should at least have seven characters, with both upper and lower case and numbers and symbols. Choose something that is cryptic, meaning it is difficult to guess, but not vague enough that you will easily forget what it was.
Discourage your employees from writing down their passwords. If they have to write their password down, they have to keep it in a locked drawer that only they can open.
Educate Everyone About Phishing Schemes
Be wary of unsolicited emails that criminals send in order to solicit private information about you and your employees. Hackers no longer pretend that they are royalties far away kingdoms; some phishing emails are made to look like they were sent by your bank or an online payment site or app. These are trying to trick you into giving up information that they can use to infiltrate your accounts.
Phishing emails are becoming more sophisticated and believable. The best way to protect yourself and your company from falling victim to these scams is by educating yourself. The Federal Trade Commission published a guide on how to spot and avoid scams.
Tell your employees about phishing scams, too. Only respond to emails from people you have communicated before. If an unsolicited email arrives on your inbox, check for unusual spelling and grammar.
Safeguarding Your Data While You Are Away
Sometimes, you need to do work while you are on holiday or meeting a client abroad. Be wary of logging into secure systems in public places such as restaurants or the airport. Also, a basic precaution is to keep watch of your devices. A data breach can happen when a thief gets access through your stollen smartphone and laptop.
Never check your devices with your baggage at the airport or any public transportation. If you are taking a car, leave your laptop in the trunk of the vehicle.
Protecting your data from cyberattacks is not easy, but it is also not impossible. What you should do is assess the risks that you face and adopt the security measures that are right for your small business.
