Cyber attacks. We’re all hearing about them; we read about them daily and many of us have experienced them. Every day, they become a starker reality for all businesses and organizations – no matter the industry or size. Governments, business leaders, and the media are saying that cyber-attacks are no longer a question of if, but when. Unfortunately for most, companies won’t know they’ve been hacked until it’s too late. We have enlisted 6 ways small businesses can protect themselves from cyber attacks:
1. Understand the risks
Cybersecurity starts with having a complete understanding of the internal and external vulnerabilities that can affect your business, how hackers can gain entry including their different methods and motives, and how to identify points of weakness.
2. Develop a security policy
Learn the different types of cyber fraud schemes and common threats. With that in mind define security protocols.
3. Educate your employees on security awareness
Your employees are the gatekeepers of your company’s information, making them the first line of defence against corporate account takeover. Educate your employees about the warning signs, safe practices, and responses to a suspected takeover. Make sure they use complex, unique passwords and maintain a “clean desk environment” where personal and confidential information isn’t exposed.
4. Verify financial requests
Use a two-step verification process to add another layer of security to approving outgoing funds – it will help protect you from a loss.
5. Keep your software up to date
Don’t delay updating your anti-virus software or other security applications. Up to date software will help you guard against the latest threats and keep your infrastructure secure.
6. Have an incident response plan and practice it
Just like a fire drill, having a plan of action for responding to a cyber incident is crucial. Even more important, it should be practised so that all your employees know exactly what to do in the event of a breach. Until we do a better job with security awareness education and training, no amount of technical controls can compensate. We just need to be aware of it and find more effective ways to educate and inform those that have access to sensitive information and systems. LINK: Read more about how to prepare for GDPR.
Read more about ‘Safe Passwords’.