As a small business owner, issues like cybersecurity might not be at the top of your priorities list. For starters, you haven’t got enough people in place to worry about it for you.
However, online security is something that everyone should prioritize, from individuals to large corporations. Online crime is on the rise, and it’s important that your business is protected.
Install the right security software
Having the latest virus protection is essential for keeping your business safe. Not only can antivirus software protect you from viruses, but it can protect you from those you use malware or spyware to access your files and data.
There are a lot of great antivirus software packages to choose from, helping you find a package that suits your needs and budget. A subscription model is a fantastic option for small businesses, allowing you to reduce those higher upfront costs and enjoy more manageable payments.
Be cryptic with your passwords
Password protection is one of the most basic elements of security, but there are still many people who don’t apply adequate password protection. Creating a strong password is important to stop people using your date of birth or mother’s maiden name to try and gain access to your files. Set a reminder to ensure your password is changed every six weeks to keep it secure and use a password manager to keep track of all your unique, complicated passwords.
Protect your data
Data protection is a very important consideration for businesses today. Not only is there a risk of breaching your personal data, but that of clients too. In Europe, there are harsh penalties for breaching data under GDPR, so if you work internationally, it’s something you’ll need to consider carefully.
Using a virtual CISO service can be beneficial for protecting your data, as well as making sure that your protection policies are in line with your business objectives. For small businesses, bringing in experts can be a big relief, allowing you to focus on running your business instead of worrying about security.
Get physical protection for your equipment
As well as protecting your business online, you need to ensure that you have adequate offline protection too. Insurance for your devices is vital in case of theft or damage, and could be a valuable investment for your business.
Cloud working could be another worthwhile investment for your business, allowing you to protect your documents and manage your business from wherever you are. It’s worth learning how to use Sharepoint effectively to make sure you understand how to get the most out of it.
Whatever type of business you run, it’s important to put security first. A security breach could ruin your business before it’s taken off, leaving you financially and reputationally worse off. If you’re unsure about what’s required, engage with IT firms who can help you get set up and take care of the ongoing management of your technology. With your online data taken care of, you can focus on the offline running of your business.
Source: https://www.mikegingerich.com/blog/basic-it-security-tips-you-dont-want-to-ignore/
