Educate Employees
One of the biggest risks to cybersecurity in a small business is human error. This might include something like leaving an account open on a shared computer, not updating passwords regularly, accidentally downloading files of a malicious nature, and giving away information through phishing scams.
Therefore, teaching your employees about cybersecurity can make a massive difference in the safety of your network. Let the staff know about the signs of a phishing scam and what they can do if they realize they’ve become a victim—91% of attacks launch with a phishing email. You’ll also want to educate them on software updates for both business and personal devices.
You’ll want security policies in place that your employees understand and follow. Depending on your business, you might include rules that cover device network access, password strength, how often people are supposed to change passwords, how they should share files, security application policies, and procedures for reporting lost, stolen, or compromised devices.
Update Software
This is an easy security tip to forget about. When you got the software, it was new—maybe even the safest option on the market—but the digital world moves quickly, and something that was safe a while back might be all too easy for hackers to play with now. Check regularly that the following software is up-to-date:
- Operating systems
- Website content management systems
- Anti-virus programs
- Financial or inventory-tracking software
Consider Using an SD-Wan
An SD-Wan is software defined wide area network. It connects several branches into a single network using the internet. This could mean data centers, remote branches, or cloud environments. SD-Wan options like the Saicom mobile APN Solution tend to be more secure, less expensive, and more dynamic than traditional networking solutions. You’ll be able to work with broadband and private links and utilize virtual service delivery platforms no matter the size of your business. Centralized systems can also assist with connectivity configuration and allow you to implement security policies across multiple websites. This tech also can help with link remediation, load balancing, and redundancy.
Protect Your Wifi
Wifi networks are an excellent point of entry for cybercriminals. Foremost, you’re going to want to make sure that you are using a solid firewall and that any data passing through the network is encrypted. You’ll also want to password-protect the router and only allow employees to access it. There’s even an option to hide the network, so non-employees can’t attempt to use it, and the name of your network doesn’t show up on guest devices.
You might be thinking: but my customers need Wifi. If that’s the case, consider using a second network specifically for the public. Of course, you’ll need to make sure that staff is using the secure network when working or accessing data.
Consider a VPN
VPN stands for a virtual private network; this security measure can add an extra layer of safety to web browning. VPN services route your data through their servers first and mask your IP address. They also encrypt data to keep your passwords and browsing history protected from potential cyber threats. This is especially ideal if employees are accessing accounts and software on the go.
Two-Factor Authentication
Whenever you’re given a choice to include two-factor authentication, go for it. Cloud databases are often breached when users haven’t turned on authentication or if they’ve left outdated versions exposed. When using a cloud service for your business, you need to understand that it is on you to ask the right questions and see to it that additional security measures are being taken. Between January and April 2020, cloud-based cyber-attacks rose 630%. You want to establish safe practices for your staff when they are using and accessing cloud services.
The above information should help you look into the security of your workplace networks and computers. Of course, you might have additional security concerns giving your work’s nature and the industry you work within. It’s a good idea to check in on your security every few months to see if there’s new tech available or methods you’ve been using that have become outdated and unsafe.
