Cyber-attacks and burglaries can be devastating for small businesses – more so than large companies due to the inability to handle the loss. Unfortunately, a lot of the time, criminals target smaller businesses due to the lesser security used. It’s up to you to ensure you are not an easy target.
With the right prevention, you can make your business’s data and equipment as safe as possible. Read on to learn how.
Use Cybersecurity Software
To protect the devices you use in your business, you should invest in cybersecurity software. Doing so will ensure that your data is well protected from cyberattacks. Without it, you could end up losing sensitive data that’ll destroy your small business.
With all the different types of cybersecurity software available, it can be difficult to choose. What you want is one that’s cost-effective but still fully protects your network and data from malware and viruses. If you’re on a budget, you can use coupons to fund cybersecurity software, such as HP MacAfee.
Upgrade Locks
Your physical items are also in danger from break-ins. Not only may burglars take your expensive items, like laptops and tablets, but they could also access your sensitive files to hack into or sell your data, too. To ensure this doesn’t happen, you should look into upgrading your door’s locks, or even the doors themselves. You should also check the windows around the business – if any of them are easily opened from the outside, then your business is at risk.
Install an Alarm System
An alarm system is a crucial addition to any workplace, as the sound of an alarm is enough to send most criminals running away. Plus, you will get notified when the alarm is sounded, so you can check the space to ensure nothing has been stolen.
Shred Documents
If you keep physical copies of sensitive documents, then shredding is an absolute must. It might be a chore, but it’s essential so that nobody goes through your trash to steal sensitive data. Otherwise, consider going paperless and putting all of your documents online.
Perform Background Checks on Employees
It is important to make sure who you hire is reliable and trustworthy. As a small business, you might neglect to perform background checks, but you must do so on every employee to know who you are hiring. By doing so, you protect yourself, your employees, and the business as a whole.
Teach Staff About Cybersecurity
One of the most important lessons you must teach your staff is about cybersecurity. Even your cleverest of employees may not know how to avoid phishing scams or malware. As a small business owner, you likely only have a small team so it shouldn’t take you too long to get the message across. Train your employee to click on a secured link that should start with HTTPS instead of HTTP. An employee further can check installed SSL with a click on a secured padlock. Once a click is done, you can find a single domain or cheap SSL wildcard certificate installed on the website. Some things you should cover include:
- Stopping Phishing Scams
- Updating Software Regularly
- Changing Passwords Regularly
- Not Downloading Unauthorized Software
By implementing as many safety regulations as possible and educating your staff about the best protection, you ensure your small business is safely secure.
James Daniels is a freelance writer, business enthusiast, a bit of a tech buff, and an overall geek. He is also an avid reader, who can while away hours reading and knowing about the latest gadgets and tech, whilst offering views and opinions on these topics.
