We are living in the age of artificial intelligence. There is no stoppage in technology and advancement in today’s world. With the increasing number of businesses and the avenues for them to excel painstakingly, there is always room for confidential stores or management. And this is where the threat quotient arises because small businesses need security to safeguard their private and highly personal data from hackers and malicious activities. Therefore, they prefer to put their data on cloud services with more complex configurations and security practices.
On the other hand, the headlines for security breaches have become quite common these days: big tycoons like Yahoo, Home Depot, and Target, too, have faced cyber attacks. So, cyber threats for smaller companies and start-ups have become a mandate here. They are at high risk if they go weak online on the security parameters.
So what is the problem, and why are small businesses vulnerable to cyber attacks?
The problem, of course, is the lack of required systems and resources that are quintessential for small-sized bossiness. These start-ups need high-end security measures to defend against cyber-attacks and stop hackers from penetrating their systems. Additionally, because the attackers and hackers are very active online on the servers and networks, they put your small business at high risk. Cybercriminals are ever more effective, and their hacking techniques are budding rapidly; thus, one must be superlatively cautious and alert.
Let’s take a case study for better learning: According to cyber security and technology strategist Elena Kvochko, over 80% of small businesses in the USA use cloud services (reasons can be many). This makes these start-ups more susceptible to cyber-attacks.
So what are the concerns: The major is the customer information, confidential property hacking, and extortion of information that can be attacked and used for financial gain. In the face of these cyber threats, companies should espouse and implement the highest standard of security policies to diminish the company’s weaknesses.
To indemnify and counter-act the cyber threat of a crippling hit, it’s significant that small businesses should take anticipatory measures to make their systems and servers cyber-strong. By embracing the practices mentioned below for cyber-security, your business will be saved from financial thrash, brand smash-up, and many other problems accumulated from a cyber-attack. Let’s walk through 4 best security strategies that small businesses can use to counter terrible cyber attacks:
Start with creating or developing a robust cyber-security culture
Getting serious about cyber attacks is all that is needed for small businesses. At times, we take it very lightly and assume that everything is under control, but unfortunately, it isn’t most of the time. Accept the cultural mind shift and choose cyber security as a priority.
To start preventing cyber attacks, experts say to start from home. Start training your employees, teach them, and make them aware of the pitfalls and dangers of cyber threats and the harm they can cause to their business. Tell them all the security measures and procedures they can use at the time of risk and their sensitive data on the verge of phishing. Begin the education from home and train your employees if you want to counter-attack harmful cyber attacks.
Create a robust internal system for security and create an internal policy where employees are secured and are ready with the counter systems against threats and cyber attacks. Use a strong password, keep changing the password regularly, and be updated on the latest scams and cyber laws. All these will help create an internal cyber system to counter all the attacks your business might face.
A sturdy email security and validation system is needed
Validate your threats by making them super strong and shielded. You must manage your email security alerts and notifications to validate potential hazards. After all, it’s your business; it should be leakproof. Look for options to deter break-ins that may come from theft; thus, encrypting all the company’s emails and communications will help here. Use an SSL certificate for enhanced security and better communications between the server and the browser.
The Advantage of an SSL certificate is it will enforce a green padlock on the address bar of the URL showing a secure lock sign which will help to defend against attacks. Also, it gives the hacker an extra layer of protection to fight for to get into your website. Email encryption is like locking a door with additional validation and putting different locks. While you’re not entirely secure, every other roadblock can assist you in defending your information. So, experts say that the hacker will bother looking for an unlocked door rather than breaking a window.
Use spyware, malware, and firewall software programs
It’s a compulsory update for any system or business to be protected via proper and authenticated malware and firewall software programs. Companies that use and regularly renew these are likely to face cyber threats. This is because this installed software helps catch and eliminate the dangers before they become tricky. There are manifold ways to protect small businesses or decrease the potential impact of cyberattacks. This is possible with the help of security systems, malware software, network, and apps, encrypting all the private and sensitive data and protecting websites using SSL certificates and a secure communication protocol. (HTTPS).
Get on the cloud services
This is the trendiest option available small businesses widely use that. It is considered the most straightforward strategy, which can be used immediately, ensuring your network is up-to-date. This is why cloud services for storage and handling application needs are essential. The only factor small businesses face is that it can be cost-prohibitive to buy, as it comes with a cost, and there is also a cost for managing and maintaining server farms. Get it from reputable companies to avoid being cheated.
To sum up, when you know you have to safeguard your business, you take necessary steps, but sometimes we forget that cyber-attacks are also pertinent to the same motive. Thus, learn about the updated cyber threats and issues that can harm your small business. Your security is in your hands; we have measures to help you. Be safe and alert!
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About the Author
Rebecca James is an IT consultant with forward thinking approach toward developing IT infrastructures of SMEs. She writes to engage with individuals and raise awareness of digital security, privacy, and better IT infrastructure.
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