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.
Seven simple steps to improve cyber security as a small business
Here are seven 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.
Learn More: Creating Strong Passwords: A Basic Guide to Improve Cyber Security
2. Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA / MFA) 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.
Learn More: Beginners Guide to Multi-Factor Authentication
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.
Learn More: Cloud Backup for Business Data – Hixon Group
6. Staff Awareness & Training
Human error is often the weakest link when it comes to cyber security – one small mistake by a team member can lead to a major security breach.
Training your employees doesn’t have to be complex or expensive, but it should be consistent and practical to help build a strong cyber security foundation. Here are a few key areas to focus on:
Common Scams & Threats
Phishing is one of the most common threats for small businesses. Regularly train employees on how to spot phishing emails, links, and attachments.
Look for signs like misspelt sender addresses, urgent or threatening language, and unexpected requests for personal information.
Learn More: Common Types of Scams & Fraud – Employee Awareness Guide
Password Security
Weak passwords are an easy target for hackers. Encourage employees to use strong, unique passwords and change them regularly. Consider implementing a password manager and educating your team on why using varied, complex passwords is essential.
Learn More: Creating Strong Passwords: A Basic Guide to Improve Cyber Security
Device Security
Employees may use various devices to access company information, so they should know how to secure them. Explain best practices like enabling device passcodes, using encrypted connections (e.g., VPNs for remote work), and locking devices when not in use.
Learn More: 10 cyber security tips to help protect employees
Incident Reporting
Mistakes can happen, so it’s crucial to create a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting potential security issues immediately. This can help contain problems early before they escalate.
If in doubt you should always advise employee’s to contact your IT support provider or report a suspected issue to a line manager immediately to help reduce the impact of an incident.
A well-informed team is a powerful defence against cyber threats.
Regularly update your training materials to reflect new threats and keep sessions engaging – consider using short videos, simulations, or interactive quizzes to make learning fun and effective.
If you dont have access to internal training materials you can access and share our FREE employee awareness training with your team members.
7. 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 line manager or IT support team.
The role of an IT support company is to make sure that your business is protected online, so no information is trivial to them. It might just make all the difference to your business.
Further Guidance
Related Resources
- Hixon Group – Employee cyber security awareness training
- Hixon Group – Online safety resources & guidance
Still need further help or advice?
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Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Our dedicated team of business technology specialists are on hand to help you and your business to stay secure, contact us today to discuss your business IT security needs.
