Since the start of COVID, small businesses have adapted remote working and transitioned to new technology. These adjustments come with increased risks. Small businesses with fewer than 100 employees receive 350% more social engineering attacks. Here are ways to protect your small business:
- Evaluate your online systems
- Have a complete understanding of your current online ecosystem
- "What do we do on the machine that is connected to the internet?"
- "What information do we store?"
- "How protected are we if there would be a data breach?"
- Seek a legal expert to get an understanding of the consequences of a data breach
- Talk to your internet service provider to find ways to protect your important information
- Implement online security best practices
- Install firewalls to prevent unauthorized access to your networks
- Use antivirus software and ensure it's updated
- Regularly back up data and store offline, not just in the cloud
- Create strong passwords and change for each system
- Require multi-factor authentication to access accounts
- Many systems have these security features but they need to be activated
- Train your employees and yourself
- You are the first line of defense
- Be cautious of phishing emails, and suspicious downloads
- Use safe browsing and strong passwords
- The FTC offers a free online tool to help create customized online security plan
- https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/start-security-guide-business
- Invest in online security insurance
- Protects your business from financial loss due to data breaches, ransomware attacks and hacking
- Insurance companies will not only provide a comprehensive policy, but will also help evaluate your systems.
Know a small business that is looking to improve employee hiring and retention? Have them call me to discuss Group Health, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Insurance - 210 848 9304
