Tips to protect your small business from a cyber attack

Tips to protect your small business from a cyber attack -

In today’s increasingly digitalized world, businesses of any size are at increased risk of a cyber attack. Whether you have been running your online store for the past few years, or are an SME that is just starting out, you could be the next victim of cyber crime.

Tips to protect your small business from a cyber attack -

It’s believed that hackers and online criminals prefer targeting small businesses, as they believe that they are more vulnerable. Well, think again. If you are a small business owner, it’s essential that you stay one step ahead when it comes to IT security. Don’t leave yourself open to risk; make sure that you follow these tips to protect your small business online.

Take Cyber Security seriously

According to recent statistics, 43 percent of cyber attacks target small businesses. In fact, one of the biggest mistakes you could be making as a small business owner is failing to take your cyber security seriously. Just as you would lock the door to your office or apartment, it’s essential that you keep your anti-virus and malware software up to date to prevent any attacks. If you don’t keep these programs active, then you are essentially leaving a window open for opportunists.

Criminals are becoming increasingly clever when it comes to knowing how to attack your business too. From phishing emails to spoof messages that ask you to put in your personal details, national security number and bank details – don’t be fooled. This doesn’t just apply to you, but to your entire workforce. So when you update your software, be sure to brief all your employees at the same time.

Keep data secure

Do you perform regular data backups? Do you make sure that employees change their passwords regularly? Is confidential data encrypted? If you answer no to any of these questions, then you are not keeping confidential data safe and secure.

In the case of fraud or even embezzlement, do you know where you can find any previous files? Companies such as Secure Data Recovery can help in these instances, providing computer forensics services to help recover any information that could be used as evidence. However, before opening up your firm to such a level of risk, it’s important that you educate your workforce in data security practices. Make sure that you conduct company-wide backups on a monthly or weekly basis. Store essential information off-site or use a VDR (virtual data room) if necessary. You may also want to consider using cloud storage for easy access to files. By making just a few small changes, you instantly up your company’s chances at keeping protected and safe online.

Criminals are becoming even more intelligent when it comes to planning and carrying out cyber attacks against smaller companies. So, don’t let your firm be next on their hit list. Make sure that you educate employees about keeping backups, and the processes that they should follow for data housekeeping. Be sure to read up and stay aware of the latest online scams. Finally, don’t be fooled. If something isn’t right, then don’t open it. Don’t let your small business fall victim.