Cybersecurity Steps for Small Business Owners

If there’s one thing we all could say with certainty, it’s that cybersecurity is and will always be one of the biggest challenges businesses can face. One mistake that many businesses make is to think that data breaches only happen with massive companies. The sad reality is that small and mid-sized businesses are one of the most common targets for attackers. Therefore, every small business should implement a couple of necessary cybersecurity steps to ensure their safety.

There is plenty of cybersecurity tricks, tips, and steps one business can implement. The costs of every single one of these cybersecurity solutions vary. Small businesses often don’t have enough capital or budget to afford most of them, which is how they become victims of cyber attacks.

Generally, there are plenty of cybersecurity threats small businesses face; some of the most common ones are:

1. Malware
2. Phishing & Ransomware
3. Password hacking

It goes without saying that cybersecurity is a vital part of any business operation. A well-implemented cybersecurity policy doesn’t have to cost you a fortune and allows you to detect and resolve cyber threats coming your way with little to no loss to your critical assets.

Before taking cybersecurity steps, a small business owner should completely understand the potential risks. Only then can you implement the necessary measures and strategies to combat cybercriminals. Without proper knowledge about the danger, all the efforts are like hitting a shot in the dark.

From backing up sensitive information and controlling access to chapters and data to securing wireless networks and using a VPN from trustworthy VPN providers such as Le VPN, these are some of the necessary cybersecurity steps one small business should implement if they wish to stay safe.

Why are Small Businesses a Big Target For Cybercriminals?

Given that small businesses do not have the deep pockets that enterprise organizations do, many people wonder why small businesses are such big targets for cybercriminals. Isn’t money the only thing they are after?

Well, there are so many reasons why that is: one of the biggest ones is the fact they usually survive on a limited budget, which means they cannot invest in the hardware, software, and computing infrastructure needed to protect their valuable data from unauthorized access.

With that being said, small businesses need to invest in security measures, no matter how small they are. While it will be costly, the benefits significantly outweigh the downsides of not having the proper cybersecurity measures installed.

Another reason why cybercriminals attack small businesses is because small businesses do not think they will ever be a target; therefore, they are not prepared, and cyber criminals love unprepared and unsecured people.

Last but not least, cybercriminals use small businesses to get to bigger ones, and they are often after personal data, which small companies have tons of.

Small Business Owners: Secrete Formula to Online Security & Peace of Mind

Generally, a range of cybersecurity solutions can protect your workloads from various attack types, from malware and ransomware to phishing. The price you, as a small business owner, could pay if you do not take cybersecurity seriously is massive. Many businesses failed due to the reputation damage they’ve received due to data breaches. Hopefully, you do not want to be one of them.

Anti-Malware and Phishing Software are the First Things in the Order

As you might already know and have heard, phishing is a technique where attackers send emails masked as a trusted source, such as an internet provider or bank. These attacks aim to trick victims into handing over their sensitive data, such as passwords, usernames, and bank account details.

As years go by, cyber-attacks, including phishing, become more sophisticated and hard to identify, which is why it is highly recommended to install anti-phishing software. This type of software scans and blocks suspicious sites that may be linked in an email; therefore, it is necessary to have it as a business owner.

Additionally, one other software you should have installed is anti-malware software. Like anti-phishing, anti-malware software identifies, blocks, and removes dangerous viruses trying to get to your computer.

Back-Up Data and Keep Software Up To Date

As a business owner, you must be prepared for the worst-case scenario. In an emergency, you want to best protect your employees, business, and clients. One of the ways you can do that is by having a copy on a hard drive or cloud of all of your important data.

Having your data backed up adds an additional layer of security and keeps your productivity and brand stable. Moreover, to protect highly sensitive data, you should consider using encryption software as well as regularly updating your software.

Strong Password Equals Strong Protection

Did you know that weak passwords are the source of more than 60% of confirmed data breaches? Important accounts should be protected by strong passwords and have two-factor authentication set up as an extra layer of security. A strong password always consists of upper and lower case letters, symbols, and numbers.

Additionally, another great solution to secure your business is to apply a VPN across your networks. A VPN basically serves you as a tunnel that stops unauthorized access and encrypts your online activity.

When searching for a VPN, keep in mind that paid VPNs are not the same as free VPNs. Non-business owners can use free VPNs to stream or avoid ISP throttling. However, as a business owner, you should definitely pay for a VPN.

Finally, with a plethora of options when it comes to choosing a VPN service, one can easily feel overwhelmed. It’s highly recommended that you only use a VPN from reputable VPN providers such as Le VPN.