Cybersecurity is a crucial part of any business, especially a business that is just starting to gather attention and growth. Small businesses, in particular, have to understand the importance of good cybersecurity because they do not have huge security or cyber safety departments like larger companies. This list was put together with the help of a local cleaning company DeluxeMaid as even they have to be extremely careful when it comes to protecting their data and customer information.
Today’s world is centered on accessibility, technology, and easy access to whatever we want. That means that as the digital realm continues to grow and expand into newer and better methods of growth for companies, the rate of cybercrime has the potential to increase exponentially at the release of every new technology available to businesses.
So, we highly recommend that you read on to find out the top five web security tips to keep your business safe as it grows!
Tip #1: Firewalls
Our first tip is an easy way to get a baseline of protection for your business and is integral for the overall health of your cyber system. Using a firewall is a simple and effective way to prevent cybercriminals from getting deep into your personal data and business information. Firewalls are usually your first line of cyber defense and should never be overlooked, particularly for small business owners. Most operating systems have firewalls pre-installed in their software, but some do not, or the pre-installed ones are not the finest available.
Consider installing a more advanced version of whatever firewall you have available to you or installing a hardware firewall. A hardware firewall will protect all the devices on your business network regardless of whether those devices have a software firewall already installed. It is important to remember that if you have employees who work from home or are not on the network that the hardware firewall is on, they will not have the protection of the hardware firewall.
Tip #2: Mobile Device Security
Using mobile devices like laptops, cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches are brilliant ways to conduct business on the move, but they have their flaws. If these devices are not on the business’s network that is protected by a hardware firewall, they will be vulnerable to cyberattacks.
To protect your mobile devices and maintain your liberties as a business owner, you should consider using a Virtual Private Network, also called a VPN, to access your business data or materials from open WiFi servers or networks (these are Wifi networks that do not use a password, like the ones found in some coffee shops or libraries). If your business has the budget to do so, consider purchasing mobile devices for yourself and your employees that are for business use only to help keep personal and business information separate, as personal information can be easier to hack into, thus putting your business information at risk if it is stored on a personal computer.
Use secure passwords that cannot be easily guessed. Think of using a random number generator with 10 digits to give you a strong password and only use that password for your business. Reusing passwords or weak passwords may not seem like a big deal, but they are.
Tip #3: Anti-Malware Software
Installing anti-malware software onto your business’ devices is perfect to protect and preserve the integrity of your devices. Anti-malware software is a basic cybersecurity agent, but it is often overlooked as unimportant. In reality, anti-malware software is crucial for preventing malware infection. Anti-malware should be installed on every device that your business uses, including those devices used by remote employees and mobile devices.
You can set the anti-malware software to automatically update when it needs to so that your protection is always up to a high standard.
Tip #4: Back-up and Update
The two most important “up’s” in cybersecurity are back-up and update. While this may seem like an obvious cybersecurity tip, many people overlook these two until it is too late. Updating your software system keeps your devices on par with the best software that your device can operate on, which helps to keep your devices secure.
Take the time once a week or every other week (depending on the amount of data your business produces or holds,) to back up your data onto a secure hard drive or external source. Some businesses may require 24-hour back-ups while others might be secure with only weekly back-ups. Speak to a technology specialist to figure out what backup plan is best for your business needs.
Backing-up data to the cloud is fine for many businesses, just be sure not to store any sensitive financial or personal data or passwords in the cloud.
Tip #5: Policy Records
After you figure out the best cybersecurity plan for your business, you should immediately record all the data and security policies to make sure that they are being implemented and maintained within your business. Make sure that your cybersecurity policy includes all devices that store your business’s data or are used to process business information.
You should also include what to do in case of a cyberattack or a security breach and then send this information out to all employees, keep a hard copy in a public space, as well as have a meeting where the rules, regulations, and cybersecurity plans are explained to all employees, regardless of the device they use. Every few months you should review the cybersecurity policy to make sure that the information is fresh in the minds of the employees at all times.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is crucial to all businesses, regardless of the size or type of business. Hackers and cyberattackers are always looking for ways to steal and sell information and they do not care who they have to steal from. Protecting your information, your employees’ information, and your customers’ information is absolutely essential to your role as a business owner and employer, even if you are your only employee.
That said, we highly recommend that you follow these simple tips to create a safer cybersecurity system for your business and maintain the integrity and reputation of your business!
