Technology has never been this dynamic. With more and more small businesses jumping into the online bandwagon, it is no wonder why hackers are going berserk at the number of fresh opportunities to explore. In 2016, more than 71 percent of online attacks affect small businesses. Unlike larger corporate entities, small businesses have one weakness: a weak cyber security. They lack the budget to set-up airtight tools that will beef-up their security on cyberspace. This makes them vulnerable to even the simplest of threats.
When thinking of improving your cyber security without spending money, it is imperative to set-up your company’s online best practices. Here are some tips on how to steer clear of online predators:
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Keep a layered approach in your cyber security processes. Daily ongoing tests for possible vulnerabilities as well as infiltration of hackers must be done. You can install current security software that do routine checks on certain spikes in web traffic as well as block any log-ins from portals outside the company. Real time authentication of online activities tapping on profiling of device and data feeds from known fraud sites must be in place. All these must be an ongoing process.
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Be in control. Administrator privileges must be continually managed by a focused group in your company. Access and utilization of such pages via personal devices must also be limited in the office and prevent unguarded penetration from the outside. By picking reliable people to serve as admins, you can minimize data loss or data corruption. Experts highly recommend both time-window enforcement and location-based fencing to ensure security of highly sensitive information.
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Enforce privacy policy on work-related functions. However, personal communications and contacts, non-work-related apps, and non-work related data must be excluded so as not trampling employee rights. Instead of rigid policies, develop more dynamic ones. A good example is to set-up regular automated updates on cyber security or reminding employees from regularly updating their passwords.
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Establish a process for all employees to acquaint themselves on issues about cyber security. Raise awareness campaign. Set up training or re-training events to deal with the topics related to breach in online security.
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While installing security patches is an essential precautionary measure, having an offsite back-up makes the initiative safer. The latter allows you to restore data that’s usable. In doing so, it must also be reiterated that data verification must also be done regularly.
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Have a cyber insurance policy that’s tailored to your small business needs. There is no one-size-fits-all policy hence, the need to carefully outline what type of protection your business needs in terms of credit card information, customer directory, and other sensitive data. Be reminded that cyber risks are not covered by general liability insurance.
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Make a semi-annual assessment on your business’ cyber security needs. If need be, seek out the help of a third party service provider. These people maintain a certain level of objectivity and expertise essential in giving businesses peace of mind. Make sure to do this either quarterly or semi-annually to make monitoring and assessment timely and effective.
Cyber security is a growing concern no matter what size the business. Small enterprises, however, have to take necessary steps to ensure their safety and that of their customers. When done accordingly, you can guarantee safety of all data farms in the business.