Cybersecurity Concerns for Small Businesses

As a small business owner or manager, it’s up to you to protect your information and your clients’ data from hackers and viruses. There are so many security threats online that it can be hard to keep track of them all. Protecting your enterprise on the web involves multiple layers of security and a thorough knowledge of what to look out for. Corporations are hacked all the time. Just look at Yahoo!, Facebook, Tmobile, and all the other companies that found themselves in dire straits because of a digital mishap – and these are large companies with security teams. The National Cyber Security Alliance found that over 70 percent of cyber attackers targeted small businesses.

The best thing you can do is stay aware of the common risks, keep up with any new information-stealing methods, and keep your site’s security updated and well-managed. Here are a few cybersecurity concerns for small businesses you should always be wary of. 

Viruses, Malware, & Network Security

Viruses are not new, but they continue to develop and get smarter even as technology experts routinely find ways to block them. Just like physical bacteria, these computer-crashing programs adapt and evolve to bypass security measures. The same goes for malware programs, which attach to your drives and can collect all types of personal information from you and your clients. The best thing to do is to secure your network with a firewall and encrypt your data. Employees should be blocked from installing new software without permission. If you don’t know how to do this on your own, you can bring in a professional to install the best network security features available. Network security will protect your computers from picking up internet viruses that can hack your personal accounts.

Mobile Device Security

Now that more individuals are working from their mobile devices than ever before, it’s essential to have a plan in place to ensure mobile device security. Have a thorough meeting with your team and instruct them on how to keep their work emails private, what kind of passwords to set, and what to do in case they are ever hacked. Anyone who does sensitive work from their cell phone should encrypt their data, frequently change their passwords, and install security apps. 

Stay in Control of Physical Access

It’s unfortunate, but once in a while, you come across either a disgruntled or careless employee that can do serious harm to the business or your patrons. Your office should have a security plan in place to prevent extra individuals from getting access to important files. For example, only the employees responsible for accounts should be able to see those documents – they shouldn’t be available to anyone in the office. Secondly, any time a worker leaves or is dismissed, the passwords on essential documents or accounts that person used should be changed. Make sure everything is password protected from unwelcome visitors and that your staff isn’t leaving notes with the password written out. 

Use Best Practices for Card Information

Work with banks or services that are licensed and accredited to handle money. Working with secure financial institutions will help make sure that your business doesn’t drop the ball when it comes to card information. Before deciding to work with any other company, make sure they have well-rated anti-fraud software. Additionally, don’t surf the internet on the same computer you use to process payments. Any program can be breached if you happen to come across a virus while visiting a favorite site, so stay vigilant.

If you process physical cards at your location, make sure your business is using a chip-compatible device, as they’re now standard in compliance with most major credit issuers.

IT Support for Small Businesses

Any security breach can hurt your growing business. Protect yourself by calling Internal  Computer Services at 804-672-1057 for a free consultation. With 25 years of experience in the IT field, ICS can help you protect your system from cyber attacks. Our experts are happy to answer questions and create a personalized plan for your company. Stay alert and take all the preventative measures you can to avoid becoming a victim of a breach.