Protecting Data: 5 Cybersecurity Suggestions

Posted on: 13 February 2019

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Small business owners typically don't worry about cybersecurity breaches because they don't feel their company is big enough to attract attention from hackers. However, people who are trying to breach your system may be doing so specifically because you're running a small operation; they assume that you don't have the protections in place to thwart cybersecurity attacks. Therefore, to protect data regarding clients, you'll need these cybersecurity tips.

1-Train Workers

If you're hiring workers to help you with your growing company, it's possible that they aren't quite used to protecting their own data from hackers. Therefore, you should be giving them in-service training about how to be safe with company data. For example, you'll want to explain how complex passwords are better than simple one-syllable words. You'll want to explain your policy regarding remote access, if you permit that. You'll also want to warn them against phishing and other common hacking methods. When workers understand the cybersecurity risks and how your company is handling those risks, they can be better at keeping information secure.

2-Monitor Remote Access

If you do allow workers to reach your network from their own devices after hours or during the day, this can be a cybersecurity risk. Ensure that you or a specific person is monitoring that access. If you start to see requests for information in the wee hours of the morning, you might want to ask questions about suspicious activity.

3-Create Guest Log-in Credentials

If you're offering wifi service throughout your building so that employees can access the internet and different cloud services, be aware that others may try to infiltrate the system. Avoid public wifi as much as you're able; if you want to be able to offer clients or other guests access to the wifi network, create individual guest logins that expire after a set number of hours.

4-Back Up Data

Whether using cloud services to store data offsite or using other methods, keeping data backed up can protect the entire business in the event of infiltration. A hacker can't hold information hostage if you're able to access that data through other means, for example.

5-Update Anti-virus and Firewall Protections

If you ignore notifications to update your firewall or various antivirus programs, you could be weakening the protections your company has. Ensure that you schedule updates or at least know when everything was last updated.

When you're smart about the protections in place against cybersecurity attacks, your entire business can be more secure. Work with cybersecurity consulting services nearby for maximum data protection.