Did you know that during the period between March and May 2023, cybercriminals committed 11.5 attacks per minute, which also included 1.7 novel malware samples per minute (source)?
It clearly indicates how hard it is to prevent and defeat malicious attempts. The biggest victims of these malicious attempts are small-scale industries or companies because they reserve limited budgets for IT services. For them, some extremely useful cybersecurity tips can prove really helpful in eliminating any threat. Let’s explore the most common security tips for SMEs.
Proven Cybersecurity Tips from Small Business IT Support Experts
The following tips are used by IT support experts for resolving multiple technology-based problems:
- Implement Strong Password Policies
Passwords provide primary security for your account. It is one of the most basic yet extremely effective security measures. SMEs should encourage the corporate culture of creating complex passwords. A complex blend of letters, numbers, and special characters in uppercase and lowercase can help in creating a password that anyone can hardly imagine. It must be eight- characters long and updated every month or frequently. Never set old passwords to reuse.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication refers to dual verifications. In addition to the primary authentication, a second form of verification is added, which can be a code sent to your official mobile device, a fingerprint scan, or a hardware token. This 2FA method is again a common practice to secure your personal account and sensitive data from unauthorized access.
- Regularly Update Software and Systems
An IT environment has multiple software and systems installed, which can be an entry point for vulnerabilities. These software and systems may attract bugs, which makes it a necessity to regularly update their versions. IT support experts often enable their automatic updates so that the risk of cyber spies’ attacks can be minimized.
- Use Firewalls and Antivirus Software
Now come firewalls and antivirus software, which are fundamental components of a robust security environment. Firewalls actually deny access to a network to an unauthorized user. And considering the antivirus software, it blocks malicious malware, viruses, and software from attacking the system or network. Every update ensures some sort of fixing of bugs, which indicates the gap. That’s why professional IT support experts properly configure and regularly update firewalls and antivirus software.
- Conduct Regular Security Audits
Regular audits of security arrangements must be done. These security audits can help identify vulnerabilities before they escalate. Small businesses should conduct a comprehensive security audit at least annually. Technically, the audits must be focused on penetration testing, network or bug scanning, reviews of all access controls, and renewal of security policies. This step can help in mitigating the risks due to patches.
- Educate Employees on Cybersecurity Best Practices
SMEs occupy a small group of personnel who may not be technically literate. And cyber incidents can fool even an IT support expert. Education can prove to be the best tool to eliminate this possibility. Educate your personnel on sensitive topics like how to recognize phishing emails, how to do safe browsing, and how to secure personal and company details. A small training session at regular intervals can prove the best hack to strengthen security.
- Implement Access Controls
Be it a small or large enterprise, data, and system access must be restricted. Access should be allowed to those who are aligned with monitoring duties. For this purpose, ensure that permission is assigned on the basis of the employee’s role. As an additional measure, delegate the responsibility of regular reviews and updates to IT support professionals. They will allow and monitor access to sensitive records.
- Backup Data Regularly
Data backups prove a milestone in retrieving information. They are essential to recovering from severe cyberattacks like ransomware. Small-scale enterprises can implement a robust backup strategy, which should include regular and automatic backups of all critical datasets. The backups must be stored in a secure offsite location, which must be frequently audited. This practice helps in swiftly recovering and maintaining accuracy.
- Secure Wi-Fi Networks
W-Fi networks are the most obvious gateways for cybercriminals. These ways may lead them to sensitive internal systems in a business. So, their security is a must-have. Considering the alternatives for security, WPA3 or strong encryption with complex passwords is recommended. Additionally, request an IT support professional to establish a guest network, which will allow visitors to explore limited data. This arrangement restricts access to the primary business network.
- Monitor Network Activity
This is a proactive step to secure your IT network. Ensure that monitoring of your small business IT network is continuous. It can help in discovering the unusual behaviour of suspicious users, which can be a cyber threat. Professional IT engineers rely on intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS), which continuously monitor traffic and automatically inform you about potential security threats. Small groups or industries set them up for activities like multiple failed login attempts and large data transfers. Overall, they can help in identifying and responding to suspicious activities.
- Encrypt Sensitive Data
Encryption ensures the secure transfer of sensitive information. It is a protective measure to prevent data loss or leakage when the data is in transition or at rest. Because of this feature, encryption protocols are necessary to prevent sensitive information like financial records, personally identifiable data, transactional details, etc. The substantial thing is that the sensitive data looks like a puzzle for those who forcefully intercept or try to access it.
- Use Secure Communication Channels
Internal communication in a small enterprise requires software like Skype, Zoho Cliq, etc. Ensure that your communication software or platforms are secure. They should have encrypted email services, protected messaging, and virtual private networks (VPNs). These features do not allow any insecure or unauthorized user to communicate or access sensitive information.
- Establish Clear Security Policies
Every IT product and resource requires governance. For this purpose, SMEs should develop and implement clear security policies that outline the expectations and responsibilities of all concerned people or stakeholders. Basically, it is for cybersecurity, the rules must correspond to IT security, encompassing password management, data handling, acceptable use of the company’s assets, and patch reporting. It is also essential to update these governing policies according to new threats and changes in business operations.
- Seek Professional Guidance
This is a bonus tip for all readers and SMEs who take security matters seriously. Cyber threats are changing over and over. So, it is necessary to hire or seek professional IT support or guidance so that the business can be protected online. The small business IT support engineers can guide and assist in installing and maintaining effective cybersecurity measures. Their experience can help in assessing existing security measures, identifying gaps or potential vulnerabilities, and developing a comprehensive strategy to secure IT infrastructure and resources.
Conclusion
Overall, cybersecurity means securing a business online. Small businesses often face threats from cyber spies. They can follow the aforesaid tips, from maintaining a strong password to hiring an IT engineer for security assistance.
