As data breaches increase in frequency and complexity, global and national lawmakers have been pushing for stricter cybersecurity regulations. For instance, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States have created compliance regulations for many businesses, especially small ones.
Data protection is a serious concern and cybersecurity is no longer just an IT problem; it’s a business-wide concern that requires all business leaders to collaborate and take ownership of their cybersecurity posture. Learn the good, the bad, and the ugly about cybersecurity for small businesses to improve your security presence.
The Bad: Cybercriminals Are Getting Better at Hacking
Cybercriminals are using more sophisticated methods to attack companies. They have a deep understanding of cybersecurity and are constantly on the lookout for security vulnerabilities in order to launch attacks. The types of methods they will use to break into systems or exploit employees include the following:
- Malware: Using malicious software to install spyware or ransomware on a device.
- Phishing Attacks: Sending malicious emails that appear to be from legitimate companies to steal information or infect systems with malware.
- Social Engineering: Using social media or other publicly available information to access personal accounts.
- Data Breaches: Exploiting vulnerabilities in a company’s cybersecurity infrastructure (e.g., weak passwords, insecure networks, outdated software, etc.) to gain access to sensitive data.
The Ugly: Small Business Aren’t Prepared for Cyber Attacks
Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to cybersecurity threats due to their limited resources. In fact, around 80% of small businesses don’t even have a cybersecurity policy. This type of policy includes cybersecurity best practices and procedures that a business should follow to protect itself from cybersecurity threats.
However, without the proper cybersecurity for small businesses, they become an inviting target for cybersecurity criminals because they often lack the resources to quickly detect and respond to cybersecurity threats.
The Good: There Are Easy Steps to Take That Strengthen Cybersecurity for Small Businesses
Small businesses don’t have to be cybersecurity experts to protect themselves from cyber attacks. The following are some easy cybersecurity steps that every small business should take:
1. Perform a Cybersecurity Audit
Identify any areas of vulnerability in your cybersecurity infrastructure and develop an action plan to address them.
2. Implement Basic Security Measures
Set up firewalls to protect your systems. Even easier options include using strong passwords (eight characters or more), implementing two-factor authentication for all accounts, and changing passwords regularly.
3. Educate Your Employees
Train employees on cybersecurity best practices, such as recognizing phishing emails and spotting suspicious activity. Also, ensure they know the protocols for reporting cybersecurity incidents.
4. Invest in Cybersecurity Tools
Use antivirus software, malware scanners, encryption, and other cybersecurity solutions to detect and respond quickly to any potential threats.
5. Partner with a Managed Service Provider
If doing all the security work yourself becomes overwhelming, engage with a cybersecurity expert who can monitor your cybersecurity infrastructure and help you respond to any incidents quickly.
Strengthen Your Cybersecurity Posture with Forum Info-Tech
No small business should remain unprotected against cybercriminals. At Forum Info-Tech, we understand the cybersecurity threats facing small businesses and are prepared to help. We provide cybersecurity solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of each business.
By working with cybersecurity experts like Forum Info-Tech, you can protect your business and create a secure digital environment. Schedule a free consultation with one of our experts to start protecting your small business today!
