The digital age of business is here. More companies are doing business online than ever before. Along with the massive advantages of e-commerce and networked sales teams comes the threat of cyberattacks. Cybercrime bled $7 billion from the U.S. economy in 2021, much of it from small businesses. Here are six ways you can keep your company safe this year.

Date:   7/19/2022 6:22:33 PM ( 28 mon ago)

The digital age of business is here. More companies are doing business online than ever before. Along with the massive advantages of e-commerce and networked sales teams comes the threat of cyberattacks. Cybercrime bled $7 billion from the U.S. economy in 2021, much of it from small businesses. Here are six ways you can keep your company safe this year. 

Have a Plan in Place

The element of surprise makes cyberattacks more effective. The cost of recovery is a large portion of the total cost of a data breach. Don't let your company's security policy be vague. Write down a systematic and detailed plan for detection and response to threats. It should include a thorough security training regimen for all employees and staff. Common attacks like phishing and ransomware scams count on the ignorance of victims. Teach everyone to recognize the warning signs of an attack before the hackers strike. Knowledge of the threats is the first step in comprehensive cyber attack prevention. 

Create Stronger Passwords

Weak passwords are a simple mistake that results in vulnerability. A report from the research platform Goodfirms revealed that around 30% of users experienced breaches caused by subpar passwords. Strong passwords include a mix of numbers and letters along with random symbols. The worst mistake is making a password short or easy to remember. Scientific evaluation of password strength shows that passwords should be at least eight characters in length (preferably 12). Make sure that written-down passwords are never left lying around. Keep them as secure as your most vital data. 

Adopt Zero Trust Security 

Zero-trust security architecture represents the new wave in cybersecurity. In an age when anyone can assume anonymity online, you can't trust random people on the internet. A zero-trust approach means requiring valid credentials from anyone accessing your network. Limit access to the bare minimum necessary to accomplish a task. This action prevents the lateral movement of a potential hacker within your system, thus limiting the damage they could do. Where possible, use multifactor authentication (MFA) measures to determine legitimacy. Online, trust is something that needs to be earned.

Automate Software Updates

Recent history is full of examples where obsolete software left the door open to an attack. Still, many people delay downloading software updates. The reasons vary; occasionally, downloads do cause software glitches. They can also result in system downtime. It's still a good idea to install updates regularly since they usually contain patches for recently-found vulnerabilities. The threats are constantly evolving. The best way to keep pace is to advance your defenses just as quickly. Install updates whenever they become available or set devices to update automatically.

Secure All User Endpoints

The sheer number and diversity of user endpoints constitute a vulnerability. It's far easier to safeguard one machine than many. Many people working remotely or on the move fail to adopt simple security measures like screen locks and antivirus software. Endpoint security is all about standardization and compliance. Get all employees to adhere to the same security standards. Install high-quality antivirus and firewall software on every machine on your network. If possible, employ managed detection and response MDR services to ensure a rapid response to threats.

Backup Data Offline

Storing data in the cloud is a common practice. It's also typically secure. Cloud providers tend to have decent data security. That doesn't mean it's a perfect solution. Realistically, any data stored online is susceptible to attack. Keeping your most important files stored on a flash drive or external hard drive is an effective way to ensure security. An advantage is the ready availability of encryption. Encrypted USB drives aren't much more expensive than standard thumb drives, and biometric solutions are also affordable. Never underestimate the value of keeping hard copies. A locked filing cabinet can be the perfect low-tech defense against digital attacks.

Staying safe online is the responsibility of every business owner. With so much at stake, it pays to be proactive. Use these tips as a starting point for developing your cybersecurity plan. 

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