Cybersecurity Tips for Small & Medium Businesses

Founder & CEO at Dynamix Solutions

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Most cyber incidents in the news involve large corporations such as JBS Foods, Delta Air, Colonial Pipeline, and the list goes on and on.

However, many cyberattacks also target SMBs. A 2019 survey found that approximately 20% of SMBs were victims of one or more attacks. Less than half of the businesses (46%) said they had implemented defenses against potential cyber-attacks.

Tips for Protecting Your Business

Cyberattacks on SMBs are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, and businesses are not adequately protecting themselves. Below are the top cybersecurity tips for small and medium-sized businesses:

Keep Software Up to Date

When your system software asks you to update, it’s not only to add new themes. A lot is being worked on to make your system more cyber-secure.

One way to ensure you don’t forget this is to select a day for updates. But if updating all your devices and software manually sounds like too much work, you can always sign on with a managed IT service provider (we do all that for you!).  

Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication is a simple yet very powerful way to avoid cyberattacks. It simply means utilizing multiple methods such as specific codes sent to a separate device before allowing access to your information.

This boosts your cyber security because as long as a criminal cannot get the specific code from your phone at the time of login, they cannot get in.

Using multi-factor authentication every time you log in is a terrific method to strengthen the cybersecurity of your SMB and ensure your data is as safe as it can be.

Use Strong Passwords

Hackers get better day by day when it comes to finding passwords. To combat this, passwords should be as complex as possible. Your organization’s password policy should guarantee that workers understand the necessity of strong passwords and follow best practices when using them. 

Strong passwords:

  • Must be more than ten characters;
  • Must include (at least): a number, a capital letter, a lowercase letter, and a symbol or special character.
  • Must be as unfamiliar as possible.

Train Employees

In every cybersecurity approach, people are the weakest link. Why? Because hackers are becoming more skilled at targeting and attacking corporate individuals.

Consider voice phishing, in which a hacker utilizes software to impersonate an individual’s speech. A C-class executive or administrator could be simulated in a WhatsApp voice note to mislead a certain ignorant employee. 

Educating staff on what to look for can help a company in the long run.

Back-Up Your Data

Data security is very important, especially for data that needs to be stored with your staff. Encrypted USBs and secure cloud backups are two good methods in such scenarios, helping guarantee that sensitive data can be stored and shared as securely as possible. 

Securing data back-ups and recovery resilience is critical for any small or medium-sized business. Remember that harmful threats and hackers do not always intend to steal your data alone but also employ ransomware to encrypt or wipe it.  

Secure Your Wi-Fi Networks

Businesses must safeguard their wireless networks in every manner possible. Changing the router’s default name and password is a good way to maintain router protection. You must ensure that the new name does not seem familiar or look like the business name or identity. 

Continually check that all devices connected to the network are secure, using data encryption techniques and strong passwords.

Maintaining a strong and hidden Wi-Fi presence helps protect the business from Wi-Fi attacks, as some attacks are known to have come through insecure company Wi-Fi.

Employ Best Practices on Payment Cards

SMBs rely on their credit card processors and banks to maintain all anti-fraud safeguards. Along with physically keeping clients’ cards safe, the business’s wireless network’s security protocol should be configured to the strongest, WPA3, to protect against card info hacking.

While hacking (or stealing) card info doesn’t happen every day, when undertaken, it can be a good way to steal funds. Ensure you follow stringent processes to maintain your business reputation. 

Control Access to Your Systems

While focusing on online processes and monitoring is crucial, it’s also important to know that there are physical considerations regarding network security.

It’s tempting to think of attackers only as random internet users when, in reality, circumventing security measures can start with clicking your company router’s reset button. Ensure that your essential pieces of in-office network infrastructure are well monitored. This way, you are protected from all attacks, ensuring you can continue work without interruptions.

Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

When working from home or abroad, a VPN allows company staff to securely access a company’s network. This is required since company staff frequently access the internet on networks that may not be as secure as the business’s network.

VPNs help lessen the consequences of a cyberattack since they encrypt data. As a result, they can provide an additional layer of protection when company staff uses their home wireless network, a network at a restaurant or café, or a public IAP.

Implement A Corporate Cybersecurity Policy

A comprehensive business cybersecurity policy should address the three most critical areas of cybersecurity defense – people, technology, and policy. Your organization should strive to get the required protection by covering all three and more. 

Technological systems such as anti-virus software and firewalls must be made available. Meanwhile, a password policy, for example, is an organizational structure for how personnel behaves themselves on the password front.

To keep your business and consumers safe, you must constantly re-examine your policies and procedures and pay attention to emerging risks.

Establish An Internal Incident Response Plan

Every business must expect all forms of attacks, such as phishing scams and ransomware, and as a response, develop strategies and plans on what to do to minimize the effect of a hack. This way, you’re not surprised when it comes, and you can nip the attack in the bud before it gets too late. 

Let Dynamix Solutions Secure Your SMB!

At Dynamix Solutions, we help businesses amplify and solidify their security efforts by integrating and controlling their network, apps, and endpoints in the cloud. 

Feel free to contact us today!

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