From financial decisions to placing new employees in the right roles, there are a number of key things that require attention when a new business is started. One of the most overlooked topics for many new business owners is cybersecurity – which leaves a company vulnerable, to say the least.
Only a few small businesses report having fears regarding cyberattacks, yet they need to know that experiencing one can sink their business. Instead of the threat of some unseen and unknown cybercriminal weighing on their minds, they’re thinking about rent, taxes, payroll – all the nuts and bolts of owning a business that takes a lot of energy to deal with.
However, talk to an online security expert about the subject and they’ll weigh in with information that shows just how important a security strategy is to a business. Millions of small businesses, according to the SMB Cybersecurity Report, have been targeted. This results in billions of dollars a year in losses.
What Can Small Businesses Do?
The first thing you can do is make cybersecurity a priority for your company. Research the various operating systems and software that can keep criminals from obtaining your valuable data. This software requires frequent updates, so don’t take a “set it and forget it” approach.
Next, protect your systems with a firewall. A firewall is something akin to a security gate that only lets the right people (data) through, and it’s often thought of as ground zero for network security strategies.
Don’t forget about training your employees, because they are often the vulnerable spots in the company – particularly where weak passwords are concerned. Make sure they’re all on the same page with your cybersecurity strategy and are frequently briefed on what is expected of them.
BYOD
One of the ways cyber criminals gain access is through employees who bring their own devices to work and get on the company network. Your company culture must include provisions that protect you from the bring your own device (BYOD) issues that have plagued many companies, large and small.
Yes, the ubiquity of smartphones and tablet computers has improved productivity and lowered hardware costs, but it comes at a risk. Be smart and take action before it becomes a major issue.
The reality in our connected world is that malicious attacks exist and any vulnerable network is at risk. At Infinium Communications, we’ve established a cybersecurity protocol that protects our clients, small and large. Contact us today to talk about our solutions.