Common Security Threats (and Fixes) OATRIDGE SECURITY GROUP
Small businesses face a formidable array of security threats, especially in the digital era. Owners are left on their own to come up with prevention methods and, often, ways to contain security breaches once they occur. Let’s discuss the most common security threats posed to small businesses in 2020 and the best ways to protect against them.
WEBSITE HACKS Nearly every small business has a website, thanks to cheap access to web-building services. Of the millions of small business websites in operation, many offer their services and accompanying payment methods on their platforms. It is incumbent on the business to protect consumer data, particularly credit card numbers and personal identifiers such as social security numbers. Failure to do so may result in legal damages in the form of lawsuits and even potentially force the business’s shutdown.UTM and next-gen firewalls offer protection to businesses concerned about potential hacks to their websites.
INSECURE WI-FI
Wi-Fi is now a common feature of nearly every business, big or small. They enable fast and, ideally, secure connections so that employees can conduct their business, and customers can enjoy reliable internet connection while they patronize the business. Unfortunately, insecure Wi-Fi is a prime route through which hackers infiltrate a business to steal information or plant malware on company servers.
ALTHOUGH HACKERS ARE ALWAYS DEVELOPING NEW METHODS TO ATTACK A BUSINESS, SEVERAL METHODS PREVENT THESE INCIDENTS, INCLUDING:
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Frequently changing the WiFi name and password.
Use Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
Set private and public access to the network.
AFTER-HOURS THEFT
Many businesses, especially warehouses and other facilities that store large amounts of valuable material, are often the target of late-night criminals who break into businesses after hours to commit theft. Methods to prevent this issue include installing CCTV cameras and investing in 24-hour security personnel.
EMPLOYEE THEFT In addition to outsiders stealing, many small businesses see huge hits to their bottom line caused by employee theft. While trickier to manage because employees have access to company resources as part of their jobs, there are several ways to prevent employee theft, including:
Conducting extensive background checks as part of the hiring process. Requiring multiple employees to simultaneously access critical areas of the business. Investing in biometric access control.
Preventing all security threats from actualizing is impossible. However, with the right strategy managing the risks is doable and, in the long run, may save a company significant amounts of time and money.
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