Cybersecurity goals to protect your small business

As a small business owner, you will usually want to bolster your hardware and software to improve your chances for success. Almost every business will need a computer or computers, a website and software for all necessary aspects of the business. But now, more than ever, it is important to understand and protect your business from cyber threats. For starters, you will need to educate yourself on what your needs are for your small business. At a minimum you need a computer with some security software. But as your company grows this will become an important and larger part of conducting business. 

A Dedicated Business Computer with Cybersecurity

It is probably a great idea to differentiate any business computer, server or device. There’s a lot to be said for organizing information in a safe manner and your business is no exception. By safe I mean with security from identity theft, monetary theft and any unwanted data theft. The first thing you will want to do is decide on a computer, then load it up with some anti-viral software. 

The importance of Security Software 

This is something we all need now. There used to be a time that a small business didn’t have to worry about cybersecurity, but nowadays it is increasingly important. Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the FBI has reported a four-fold increase in cybercrime. Small businesses are a major target for hackers. If you are questioning what would a hacker want from me? Consider these four things. Data from your computer can be used for identity theft and sold for profit to a third party.  Another thing a hacker can do is use your computer and thousands more to direct web traffic to a certain site to disrupt another target’s service. Hackers also can piggy back on your computer into another larger company to steal from them. Perhaps the most common reason is that hackers can steal your money with financial information, it is a lot easier than trying to get into a well- protected big company.

Developing a cybersecurity plan

This is a process that can be improved upon over time. First, identify all the devices you have and want to secure. Then identify all the people that have access to them so they can be quickly contacted. Purchase and install cybersecurity software for all the devices, servers, networks and data storage units with important information on them. Then go through all your data and find credit and debit card numbers, bank account details or customer and vendor information. Either delete it or put it in a safe secure protected location. 

Decide which software you want and who is going to manage it 

You may want to call a professional cybersecurity company or if you are up for it, decide and purchase the software that you need for your small business. In order to help you make an informed decision take a look at https://www.capterra.com. They list and review all sorts of software for business needs. 

Document existing security takes note of everything from firewalls, anti-malware software and V.P.N. (virtual private networks) to cloud monitoring apps and data backups. Make sure your software to prevent external threats is up and running.

Internal threats are real threats

Also consider internal threats, most often a simple mistake from an employee can lead to a problem. If and when there is a security breach have a plan in place to go forward. This can be done simply by contacting your IT services provider in an emergency. Or it could mean that you have to seek legal representation depending on the severity of the situation. Another thing to consider is purchasing cyber insurance from a reputable insurance company before you get hacked.

Use an SSL

As for your website you should have an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate. This is going to encrypt your data so it is unreadable between servers. Also, make sure all of your software is up to date, as well as keeping strong passwords and changing them once or twice a year.  You should also conduct regular vulnerability risk assessments and cybersecurity audits to detect new vulnerabilities. 

Finally, continue learning and implementing ways to protect your business. Educate employees on how to avoid cyberattacks, such as clicking on unsecured sites on spam emails. Another thing to consider is purchasing cyber insurance