Held Hostage

Protect your small business from cyber attacks

by Erin Garcia

OEC Fiber does all we can to safeguard our high-speed fiber network, but we can only do so much. Individual internet users need to take precautions. And with cyber attacks on the rise, more and more small and midsize businesses are coming to grips with the need to step up their online and digital security.

These tips will help safeguard your business against costly cyberattacks and give you peace of mind.

Install Anti-Virus Software on Your Device

Many small businesses overlook the necessity of robust anti-virus protection for all devices, not just central servers. Top choices include McAfee, Norton, Kaspersky and Bitdefender, which offer comprehensive defense mechanisms tailor-fitted to a business’s specific needs.

Keep Your Software Updated

Software updates are critical for closing security gaps and enhancing the protective capabilities of anti-virus programs. This includes regular updates to both applications and operating systems, as these are frequently targeted by cyber criminals.

Establish A Firewall

Firewalls and anti-virus software serve as preventative and curative solutions against cyber threats, respectively. Together, they significantly reinforce a business's cyber defenses by blocking malicious threats from entering and addressing any that manage to infiltrate the system.

Require—and Enforce—a Strong Password Policy for All Staff

The necessity of complex and unique passwords for each user within a business cannot be overstated. Encouraging staff to adopt and maintain strong password practices is fundamental to securing access to sensitive information.

Consider Encryption

For businesses handling sensitive customer data, encryption is nonnegotiable. Selecting the right encryption software ensures that customer information, financial data, and other critical business intelligence are shielded from unauthorized access!

Set Up A Vpn

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is crucial for businesses with remote or traveling employees. It secures data transmission to and from the business network, offering an additional layer of cybersecurity, particularly in public or less secure environments.

It’s easy to get comfortable and let your guard down—but you’ve worked too hard to let cyber criminals take your business away from you. Implement these six steps as soon as possible to help keep your company protected.