How To Ensure Your Small Business Doesn’t Get Hacked

Today, cyber security is more important than ever. With the rise of online threats like ransomware and phishing attacks, we must ensure your business isn’t vulnerable to a hack or data breach, or we’re doomed sooner or later. 

Passwords, web activity, your data, and the data of your clients, it’s all under question if you don’t secure your business data – And the further we move forward, the more demanding security measures become. A successful attack can result in compromised customer data, stolen funds, or financial losses due to damage or downtime.

Cyber threats and the protection against them cannot be overstated. And no, having a good VPN is not enough anymore. 

Cybercriminals constantly develop new strategies and tactics to target businesses and individuals, so staying current on the latest security measures is essential. 

Set Up Strong Passwords

Setting up strong passwords is the first step to protecting your business from hackers. 

A strong password should be at least 8-10 characters long and contain a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. 

It should also not include easily guessable words or phrases like “password,” your name, or the name of your company, brand name parts, etc. Try something they’d never get an idea about. 

Create unique passwords for each account and change them regularly, at least every several months. 

Use two-factor authentication. 

Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication combines something you know (a password) and something you have (like a code sent to your mobile phone or email address). 

This adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts as it requires two elements for access. 

Setting up two-factor authentication is relatively straightforward, but it can be time-consuming to set it up for multiple accounts. 

To streamline the process, you can use a password manager like LastPass or 1Password to store and manage your passwords, and if you suspect a cyber attack, change your password from another device.

Email Encryption

Email encryption is a great way to protect your business emails from hackers. Email encryption scrambles the data sent between two computers, so authorized users can only decrypt it. 

The main benefit is that if a hacker intercepts an encrypted email, they won’t be able to read its contents, making it useless. 

Update Software And Applications Frequently

Software and applications are constantly being updated to provide better protection against hackers. Most of their updates include security patches that help protect you from new threats. 

Whenever possible, set up automatic updates so that your software is always secure, as the updates are helpful only until the hackers find a way to bridge them. So you want to be timely. 

If you don’t have automatic updates, check for updates regularly and install them immediately when they’re released. 

Also, be cautious when downloading applications, as malicious programs can contain viruses and other malware. 

Monitor Network Activity

Network monitoring will help you quickly identify potential threats so that you can take action before it’s too late. To monitor your network, consider using a security system like McAfee or Norton Security that can detect and block potential threats.

This involves monitoring your network’s devices and systems for any suspicious activity. 

Check for unauthorized access attempts and any changes made to user accounts or computer configurations. 

Educate Employees On Cybersecurity

Your employees should be aware of the dangers posed by cybercriminals and the steps they can take to protect themselves and your business. 

Ensure all employees understand the importance of strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and encryption.

Provide them with resources to help them stay up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity trends and threats. 

Utilize Firewalls For Added Protection 

Firewalls are a crucial part of any network security system – They act as a barrier between your internal network and the outside world, blocking malicious traffic from entering your systems. 

Firewalls can detect and block dangerous activity before it reaches your computers and networks, making them an invaluable tool. 

When setting up your firewall, set it up correctly and use a mix of rules for added protection. And then, consider using an intrusion prevention system (IPS) or network-based IPS (NIPS) to monitor further and block malicious activity. 

Implement Backup Solutions

Backing up your data regularly helps ensure you can still access vital information if a malicious attack occurs. 

It can also help restore lost or damaged files and recover from system failures. Backups are the first level of protection from disaster, and implementing a reliable backup strategy can save you time, money, and stress in a cyber attack. 

Consider using an external hard drive or cloud-based storage solution like Dropbox or Google Drive to back up your data. Note: These are not considered secure but only when combined with successful network security strategies. 

And test your backups regularly to ensure they are working correctly. 

Final Word

By following these tips and implementing a comprehensive cybersecurity plan, you can ensure your business remains secure against cyber attacks. 

From using strong passwords to monitoring network activity and creating backups, there are many steps you can take to protect yourself from malicious actors. 

Taking the time now to create a robust defense will save you time, money, and stress down the road if any data breaches occur.