7 Best Cyber Security Practices for Small Businesses
The Internet has revolutionized the way we live, the way we operate, the way we communicate, and the way we eat. No one will deny that the internet is everywhere from instant messaging, banking, shopping, emailing, travelling, and also while deciding the meal for the night. But with human life all over the internet, has resulted in the hampering of privacy, intimacy, and the discretionary nature of work and personal things. This has possessed a serious question about the safety and security of information. The growing need and utilization of the internet call for the protection of the information and abundant data posted worldwide. Whether one owns a company, runs a small-scale business, or individual who is simply habituated user of the internet, being aware of how to minimize threats, risks, and cybercrimes while staying well informed of cybercriminals has become the need of the hour. As Edward Snowden rightly said, “Arguing that you don’t care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don’t care about free speech because you have nothing to say.”
Edward believes that it is the duty and responsibility of the respective governments to protect the privacy of individuals and organizations. The governments should encourage and provide opportunities for big to small business cyber security firms in providing the best cyber security practices. Let us look into some of the best cyber security tips for small businesses.
1. Keeping Software Up to date
Small and big software companies typically provide software renews for three reasons: for adding new features, fixing known and unknown bugs, and upgrading the business security. It is time and again advised to keep the updates to the latest version and protect businesses and organizations from the latest and prevailing security vulnerabilities.
2. Avoiding Opening the Suspicious Mails
If one finds an email suspicious, avoid opening the mail because it might be a phishing scam. It is often noticed that such emails usually are someone impersonating another individual or company to gain access to the business or personal information. Sometimes these emails may also include attachments or links that can infect your devices through a structured virus.
3. Keeping Hardware Up to date
With the number of updates coming in regularly, the outdated computer hardware may not support the most recent software security. Additionally, it has been evident that the old hardware makes it slower and ineffective to respond quickly to cyber-attacks if they happen. Hence, making sure that businesses use computer hardware that’s more updated is very critical.
4. Using a Solution that Provides Security
Adopting a secure file sharing solution to help encrypt your files while they’re in the transferring process and also at rest is very important. In order to prevent illicit access to the business data files, opting for solutions is essential. After all, the business files are secure only if the tools firms utilize while transiting them.
5. Protecting Software through Anti-virus and Anti-malware
If your small-scale business is connected to the web, it is technically not possible to have complete and total protection from malware. However, business owners can significantly decrease vulnerability by safeguarding they have anti-virus and at least one anti-malware fixed in their systems.
6. Using VPN to Privatize Connections
It is often recommended that for a more secure network, business owners should use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). It comes with encryption for the connection helping businesses protect their information even when they are totally out there on the web.
7. Enabling Two Factor Authentication
Many platforms now allow you to enable 2-factor authentication to keep your accounts more secure. It’s another layer of protection that helps verify that it’s actually you who is accessing your account and not someone who’s unauthorized. Enable this security feature when you can.
Source: https://www.insightssuccess.in/7-best-cyber-security-practices-for-small-businesses/