The internet has created new opportunities for all businesses all over the world to reach larger and new markets for their products. It also makes their work easier and more efficient by using a computer and mobile-based tools. Any company that adopts the use of the internet, whether it’s just email or cloud computing, should embrace cybersecurity as part of the plan. Digital information theft is one of the most common forms of fraud today, way ahead of physical theft. Companies have also embraced the use of APIs that help create new revenue streams, streamline internal operations, and form successful partnerships. While at this, the risk of APIs as a source of infiltration gets very high. These API tutorials will guide small business owners on measures they should take to ensure that the APIs they use are secure.
Why Small Businesses are Attacked More than Larger Businesses
Most attacks on small businesses are done to get personal data that can be used in identity or credit card theft. Even though larger businesses have more data that can be stolen, small businesses are at a higher risk of attack since they have less secure networks that are easy to breach. Small businesses also lack the budget, time, and expertise to ensure proper security. Some even lack IT security specialists and employee training making it very easy for them to be attacked.
Improving PC and Phone Security
1. Training all Employees
It is very essential for small businesses to ensure that all employees working in the enterprise are trained on the enterprise’s security policies and network security best practices. Security policies evolve with time due to more complicated attacks making it essential for small businesses to regularly update their employees about new protocols. To be on the safe side, small businesses should also make it mandatory for each employee to sign a security document after being informed of all the policy protocols. This will hold them accountable and make them understand that action will be taken if the security policies are not followed.
2. Mobile Devices’ Policies
Most small businesses lack enough budget and therefore allow their employees to use their own computers, smartphones, or other devices for work purposes. This increases the chances of attack. It is, therefore, essential for businesses that allow this practice to have a well-detailed policy focussing on security precautions. There has been an increase in the popularity of wearables with wireless capability that might leave small businesses exposed when connected to networks at the workplace. All these devices should be included in security policies to minimize the risks of an attack. Employees should also set up automatic security updates for all the devices that they use to access the company’s network. This is because security updates come with critical patches to security holes.
3. Using Firewall
A firewall is used to protect a network from unauthorized access and is often the first line of defense against a cyber attack. Setting up a strong firewall provides a barrier between small businesses and attackers. To make sure that the small businesses are fully protected, they should also set up internal firewalls for additional protection. This is in addition to the standard external firewall. Businesses that have employees working from home should formulate policies that require them to install a firewall on their home network for additional protection.
4. Backing Up Data Regularly
A small business might have strong security settings in place but still get attacked. This does not mean that the security precautions are poor. It means that the businesses should be ready for any eventuality to avoid compromising their business operations. Small businesses should regularly back up all their data, and store them in different locations. This means that in case of an attack, or even a calamity such as a fire, the business will resume normal operations within the shortest time possible. It is also important to regularly check all backed up data to make sure that it works well.
5. Use of Safe Passwords
Most small businesses’ breach of data has originated from stolen, lost, or weak passwords. This is because most employees find it difficult to change their passwords regularly if they are not being forced, or rather asked to do so. Small businesses should ensure that all devices that are used to access the company network are password protected. They should also have password policies that should be enforced to minimize the risks of an attack.
6. Documentation of Security Policies
Most small businesses operate by word of mouth, making it very easy to forget some security protocols. Also, a business might lose an employee who probably had all the important security protocols. In such a case, the business might lose a lot of information hindering the normal operations of the organization. It is therefore important to make sure that all security policies are documented, but access granted to just a few of the business employees.
Technology evolves every day. With new features comes new security threats. Small businesses should stay on top of technological changes to make sure that they understand what is needed to beat new tricks and threats from cybercriminals.