Protecting Your Business
Why cybersecurity is important now more than ever and how to protect your business
October is Cybersecurity month, #becybersmart and read on to learn more about how to protect your business.
With digital technologies evolving almost daily, it is getting harder and harder for the average person to know about all the potential risks to security that might be part of this evolution.
Cybersecurity is defined as the protection of computer systems and networks from information disclosure, theft of or damage to their hardware, software, or electronic data, as well as from the disruption or misdirection of the services they provide.
According to Nerdwallet.com, it is even more vital for small businesses to protect themselves from cyberattacks. In the last year, 43% of cyberattacks targeted small businesses and of these businesses, 60% went out of business within six months after the attack. Plus, cybercrime costs small and medium businesses more than $2.2 million annually. The healthcare industry is the most at risk for cyberattacks.
How can a business protect itself from cyberattacks? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has published this list of 10 cybersecurity tips for small businesses:
- Train employees in security principles: Establish basic security practices and policies for employees, such as requiring strong passwords, and establish appropriate Internet use guidelines that detail penalties for violating company cybersecurity policies. Establish rules of behavior describing how to handle and protect customer information and other vital data.
- Protect information, computers, and networks from cyber attacks: Keep clean machines: having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Set antivirus software to run a scan after each update. Install other key software updates as soon as they are available.
- Provide firewall security for your Internet connection: A firewall is a set of related programs that prevent outsiders from accessing data on a private network. Make sure the operating system’s firewall is enabled or install free firewall software available online. If employees work from home, ensure that their home system(s) are protected by a firewall.
- Create a mobile device action plan: Mobile devices can create significant security and management challenges, especially if they hold confidential information or can access the corporate network. Require users to password-protect their devices, encrypt their data, and install security apps to prevent criminals from stealing information while the phone is on public networks. Be sure to set reporting procedures for lost or stolen equipment.
- Make backup copies of important business data and information: Regularly backup the data on all computers. Critical data includes word processing documents, electronic spreadsheets, databases, financial files, human resources files, and accounts receivable/payable files. Backup data automatically if possible, or at least weekly and store the copies either offsite or in the cloud.
- Control physical access to your computers and create user accounts for each employee: Prevent access or use of business computers by unauthorized individuals. Laptops can be particularly easy targets for theft or can be lost, so lock them up when unattended. Make sure a separate user account is created for each employee and require strong passwords. Administrative privileges should only be given to trusted IT staff and key personnel.
- Secure your Wi-Fi networks: If you have a Wi-Fi network for your workplace, make sure it is secure, encrypted, and hidden. To hide your Wi-Fi network, set up your wireless access point or router, so it does not broadcast the network name, known as the Service Set Identifier (SSID). Password protect access to the router.
- Employ best practices on payment cards: Work with banks or processors to ensure the most trusted and validated tools and anti-fraud services are being used. You may also have additional security obligations pursuant to agreements with your bank or processor. Isolate payment systems from other, less secure programs and don’t use the same computer to process payments and surf the Internet.
- Limit employee access to data and information, limit authority to install software: Do not provide any one employee with access to all data systems. Employees should only be given access to the specific data systems that they need for their jobs, and should not be able to install any software without permission.
- Passwords and authentication: Require employees to use unique passwords and change passwords every three months. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication that requires additional information beyond a password to gain entry. Check with your vendors that handle sensitive data, especially financial institutions, to see if they offer multi-factor authentication for your account.
The FCC also offers a wide variety of cybersecurity resources for small businesses on their website, including free checkups, listing of possible cybersecurity providers, and additional links for more specific information. Visit https://www.fcc.gov/general/cybersecurity-small-business to learn more! The University of Scranton SBDC can help your business, contact us today to create a cybersecurity action plan!