Cybersecurity for Small Businesses
10/23/2024
Cybersecurity for Small Businesses
According to Forbes.com, one in five small businesses do not use any cybersecurity. This can present major problems for the business owner and for customers. Cybersecurity is what stands between your small business and criminals who want to infiltrate your networks, steal data, and overall cause havoc for your business. Let’s take a look at some easy first steps you can take to help your employees protect your business.
Theft of digital information has now surpassed physical theft as the most commonly reported fraud, and businesses need to be prepared (FCC.gov). Because so many small businesses have never created a comprehensive plan to combat the fraudsters, it leaves many wondering where to even start. The truth is that, unfortunately, fraud is frequently able to happen because employees have not been properly educated on cybersecurity topics. In many cases, this is why criminals will often target your employees first through phishing, vishing, and smishing attempts. Here are some helpful first steps to get your employees on track to help you protect your business:
- Enact Mandatory Security Training
Many companies already have some form of other training in place, so a good place to start is to add cybersecurity training to the agenda. If you have IT specialists that work for the company, this is a great opportunity for them to get involved and teach their fellow employees important cybersecurity concepts like phishing, AI, and more. Alternatively, the Federal Trade Commission has a comprehensive page that can help employees and owners alike. This can be found here: https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/small-businesses/cybersecurity.
- Create Mobile Device Company Guidelines
Mobile devices are some of the most vulnerable pieces of technology for a business, especially if the employee they belong to is privy to sensitive information about the business and its clients. Creating company guidelines for employees with mobile devices can be very helpful with combating the worst of cybercrime. These guidelines should include policies on using multi-factor authentication, not plugging in third-party USB’s or accessories, and maintaining updated software.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication is not just for mobile devices and is an excellent way to protect devices, important accounts, and much more! Wherever this security option is available, have your employees set it up. The beauty of multi-factor authentication is that only the person with the connected device who receives the code may access the account, even if a password is compromised. It is important to express to employees that the multi-factor code should only ever be used by them and NEVER shared.
- Establish a Culture of Security
Finally, establishing a culture of security can be highly beneficial to your employees and business. Encourage employees to talk to each other about possible breaches they encounter. Also encourage a culture of security by implementing programs where employees are rewarded for catching manufactured threats. The most important thing is to simply get your employees to start talking about cybersecurity and how best to meet security objectives.
Employees are your first line of defense against criminals looking to gain access to your small business. As such, it is important to arm them against possible breaches through a comprehensive company initiative. If this is your small business’s first time establishing cybersecurity education – don’t worry! There are many resources available to you!
Sources:
https://www.fcc.gov/communications-business-opportunities/cybersecurity-small-businesses
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/manage-your-business/strengthen-your-cybersecurity
https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/small-businesses/cybersecurity
https://www.cisa.gov/cyber-guidance-small-businesses