You’d think that cyberattacks would become less common as we continue to acclimate to a tech-driven lifestyle. Unfortunately, you’d be quite wrong.
The fact of the matter is that ransomware cases are up by 150%, and 30,000 websites are attacked each day. Criminals are only going to get smarter. It’s up to you to stop them.
Keep reading to learn about five cybersecurity tips that will keep your small business safe, secure, and out of legal troubles. Also, here you can find some tools and software that can help you manage your small business better.
Table of Contents
1. Choose Stronger Passwords
It bears repeating that we haven’t kept up with security standards despite how quickly technology has integrated into our lives. And there’s no better proof than glancing at a list of the top three most-used passwords, which are:
- 123456
- password
- 12345
Suffice to say, using these passwords is like leaving your front door unlocked in a major city. It’s only a matter of time until something bad happens.
Start using passwords with alphanumeric passwords that include punctuation. It’s also smart to implement a password change policy every nine months.
2. Encrypt and Back-Up Data Constantly
When business owners think about how to secure information, they need to consider how they’ll protect the information, too. A data breach can lead to the exposure of your client’s personal information.
Information that, when leaked, leaves your company open to a host of lawsuits.
Notably, Equifax came under fire for this exact issue several years ago. Because they failed to secure their customers’ information properly, criminals got their hands on the credit card information of thousands of Equifax customers.
This requires a two-pronged attack: keep important data encrypted and make sure it’s backed up so you can resume operations if the worst happens.
3. Update Your Software Often
Do you know how every few days, your computer will pester you with notifications about how it’s time to update your software? These updates contain patches that are crucial to small business security.
Patches often remove weaknesses in software security, sometimes in significant ways. So take five minutes out of your day to update your firmware. Sure, it’s annoying. But it could prevent a data breach.
4. Educate Your Team
Tech is only going to grow more complicated. You and your team will have to stay on your toes to make sure you know about the latest cyber threats.
Cybersecurity training should be an ongoing process. Make sure your team completes at least one training per year.
5. Consult With a Security Firm
If you’re not sure you have the patience or resources to invest in company security, consider outsourcing, even if it’s only for a consultation. There are tons of great small business services, like Techromatic, specializing in helping independent businesses strengthen and improve their security.
A consultation can help you learn your business’ weaknesses and can even help you stay compliant, which is a must for industries like the medical field.
6. Use Security Plugins
Security plugins play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and protection of your website. These tools provide essential features that help prevent unauthorized access and protect against various types of cyber-attacks, including malware and phishing attempts. For WordPress sites, WP Login Lockdown and WP Force SSL are highly recommended security plugins. WP Login Lockdown is designed to prevent brute-force attacks by limiting the number of login attempts and blocking users who enter incorrect login credentials. WP Force SSL, on the other hand, guarantees that all communication between your website and its users is secure and encrypted. By utilizing these plugins, you can effectively reduce the risk of potential security breaches and safeguard your website and its users from any harm.
Cybersecurity Tips That Will Keep Your Business Secure
The importance of cybersecurity continues to expand. With these cybersecurity tips in tow, you’ll have a great base of knowledge to help you keep your company safe.
For more information on guarding your company info, or to stay up to date on the latest tech news, keep checking back with our blog!