As a small business owner, it is important to take steps to protect your business from online threats such as cyber attacks, data breaches, and online scams.
By taking the necessary precautions, you can help ensure the security of your business and its sensitive information.
Six simple steps to improve cyber security as a small business
Here are six simple tips on how to stay safe online as a small business that cost nothing to implement:
1. Use strong and unique passwords
One of the most basic steps you can take to protect your business online is to use strong and unique passwords for all of your accounts.
A strong password is at least eight characters long and includes a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters.
It is also a good idea to use a different password for each of your accounts to prevent hackers from accessing multiple accounts if they manage to guess one of your passwords.
2. Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional layer of security that requires you to enter a code, in addition to your password, when logging into your accounts.
The two factor authentication code is typically sent to your phone or email, and it provides an extra level of protection against unauthorised access.
Many online services offer 2FA, and it is a good idea to enable it whenever it is available.
3. Use a firewall and antivirus software
A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
A firewall can help protect your business from cyber attacks and other online threats.
Antivirus software, on the other hand, is designed to detect and remove malware from your computer.
It is important to use both a firewall and antivirus software to help protect your business from online threats.
4. Secure your Wi-Fi network
If you have a Wi-Fi network for your business, it is important to secure it to prevent unauthorised access.
Use a strong password for your Wi-Fi network and consider using encryption to protect the data transmitted over the network.
Its also important to remember to change the administrator password to something more secure, default passwords are just like leaving your front door open for criminals.
You should also regularly update the firmware on your Wi-Fi router to ensure that it has the latest security features.
5. Back up your data
It is important to regularly back up your business’s data to protect against data loss.
There are several options for backing up your data, including external hard drives, cloud storage services, and tapes.
Choose a backup solution that fits your business’s needs and make sure to test your backups to ensure that they are working properly.
6. Get help and advice
It is always better to be safe than sorry, so if you see or hear of any activity that you feel could be suspect, always report it to your IT support team. Their job is to make sure that your company is protected online, so no information is trivial to them. It might just make all the difference to your business.
Further Guidance
Still need help or advice?
Are you struggling to find the information you’re looking for or need help securing your business IT systems? Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Contact us to discuss your business needs.
Other resources
- Hixon Group – Employee cyber security awareness training
- Hixon Group – Online safety resources & guidance
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