6 Steps to Improving Business Cybersecurity

When it comes to cyberattacks, there is no discrimination. Cyber attackers can get to any business regardless of what they do or their size. However, even if large businesses have been victims of cyberattacks, studies show that small businesses are the most vulnerable and most attacked. Most people who own small businesses overlook the idea of proper cybersecurity with the notion that only big businesses can afford the privilege. Online business has helped many businesses expand their clientele base. However, at the same time, it has made cybersecurity threats rampant. This post has narrowed down 6 of the most vital steps to improving cybersecurity for your business.

1. Cyber Security Audit

You may not understand what you are fighting against and how vulnerable you are lest you get a cybersecurity audit. The audit helps in inspecting your system and pointing out your current situation when it comes to cybersecurity, the potential threats facing your business, and the extent of the damage. When compromise assessment is done, your business can understand the strength or weakness of its systems and any activities that could compromise the security of the business. After understanding these aspects, you can go ahead and find solutions. The main aim of the audit is to help you understand how much you are exposed to help you enhance security.

2. Securing Networks

If your network is unsafe, it provides cybercriminals a chance to intercept your connection and get hold of your business data. So, the crucial thing to do is securing your network. Sometimes you may decide to work away from the office and probably use public Wi-Fi. This step can be damaging, considering that you are giving the hackers free access to your business. The best thing is to use a VPN to encrypt your network and hide your IP address. If you or your workers have to work away from the office, ensure they have portable Wi-Fi that is also encrypted.

3. Keeping Software Updated

Outdated software creates loopholes for hackers to access your sensitive data. Software manufacturers provide frequent updates for software to keep them secure. If you don’t update your software often, you are at risk of cyberattacks. So, keep off hackers by updating all the devices like computers and mobile phones in your office. An updated software forms a barrier such that hackers cannot access your information.

4. Limiting Data Access

Without a doubt, no person outside your business should have access to your sensitive data. Even with the employees, it is a good idea to limit their access. Avoid giving the employees authority to the most sensitive data. Allow them to access only the information vital for their operation. For the rest of the data, choose only a few trustworthy people who can access it. The fewer the people who have access, the less vulnerable your business will be.

5. Using Strong Passwords

When setting a password, you are always asked to set a strong one and include special characters. The login page even measures the strength of your password, and there is a reason for this. Strong passwords are hard to crack. Using common things in your business to set your password could make you the next cyberattack victim. So, use strong passwords and ensure every login site has a different password. Make sure you update the passwords frequently, especially if you have fired an employee or they resign deliberately.

6. Screening Employees and Monitoring their Devices

It’s funny how many businesses keep strong software and use everything they can to keep their data safe but forget to look at their employees. A person may seek employment in your business with intentions of getting close to your sensitive business information. You will not know this person unless you screen your employees before hiring them. Any person with a criminal past could be a threat to your business. Therefore, carry out a background check and know exactly who you bring to your business.

Your business may not be big enough to provide all the necessary devices needed for operations. So, you might have to allow your workers to bring their personal devices like smartphones, computers, and tablets. Before you allow them to use, ensure the network administrator can monitor the software and update it automatically. Unless you monitor their devices, you can’t know who is doing something malicious behind your back.

Conclusion

Regardless of how big or small your business is, cybersecurity is one of the most important things and something you can’t bargain with. It does not matter how hard you work. Your business could fall within a blink of an eye if you fail to protect it from cybercriminals. Therefore, use the above ways to improve your business cybersecurity.