Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

6 Ways to Improve Your Small Business Cybersecurity

  • Written by Alice Jackson


If you think your small business is immune to cyber threats, think again. For cybercriminals, small businesses are a soft target as they are least equipped and hardly spend on digital security.

Your business might be at risk, and you may not have an idea about it. Small organizations like yours typically have a moderate amount of data with no or minimal security. Hackers can sneak in easily and hack valuable information. Unpreparedness further adds to vulnerability.

If you’re not convinced, take a look at given stats from Small Business Trends that show how small businesses are prone to cyber attacks.

  • About 43% of cyber attacks aim at small organizations.

  • 60% of small organizations face a cyber-attack within six months and go out of business.

  • Only 14% of small organizations rate their capability to lessen cyber risks, attacks, and vulnerabilities as successful.

  • The acts of malicious intent lead to 48% data security breaches. These include human error or system failure.

Well, there is one way to avoid cyber-attacks - by taking preventive measures. Even if you don’t see yourself to be at risk, you need to invest in securing your business, such as the zero trust security model that continuously verifies user access permissions. Besides investing in a robust security system, you can beef up the security of your small organization by following the below strategies.

2. Train your Employees

The first lesson of cyber security begins at home, and your employees should take this lesson.

Put a cyber security policy in place. The policy should include cyber security best practices that your employees will follow. Incorporate in it the procedures for keeping your vendor, customer, and employee information safe. It should also include protocols that your employees must follow in case of a security breach.

Train your employees to create unique, strong passwords for every account they use officially. They should not only have a password for every device they use, but they should also create a strong password for every business account too.

Wherever possible, instruct your employees to set up two-factor authentication process. This calls for a two-step sign-in process that creates another layer of security for accounts. Employees will need OTP or code to complete the sign-in process.

Don’t forget to send out computer security tips to your employees on a regular basis, especially when you learn new things or set up new security measures. You can circulate the message a few days in advance through letterhead or email, having your official logo on them.

2. Create Backups

Make sure to regularly backup the data on computers. In case the data goes missing or is stolen, you should have another copy saved somewhere else. In fact, all necessary data should have a copy. For instance, you may want to keep your vendor data on the desktop. But, you may also have a copy stored somewhere else like in the cloud. Keep both copies secured. Use encryption and passwords to protect all your data.

3. Update your Computers

Make updating your computers a regular practice to keep cyber threats at bay. Also update laptops, mobiles and other devices. Make sure you update your operating systems and web browsers as well. Make it a habit to regularly check for the latest software versions along with security software. No matter what software you have installed on your computer, it should be updated too.

4. Make Access Difficult

One of the simplest ways to improve your small business cyber security is to limit the access to data or equipment for unauthorized people. Even a familiar or trusted person shouldn’t be allowed to access data or computers they aren’t meant to use. For example, a client shouldn’t be allowed to look into your company’s data or borrow your employee’s laptop.

To regulate the access:

  • Issue keys to authorized employees only and keep track of every key.

  • Hand out even fewer keys for areas that contain expensive equipment or sensitive information.

  • Make sure to get the keys back once an employee leaves the organization.

  • In case a key is lost, change the lock.

  • Install the access control system to limit access to certain areas.


5. Secure your Wi-Fi

A company’s Wi-Fi is the easy way to access data or for the security breach. Allow the WiFi access to employees only but make sure to secure the passwords even from them. Set up a separate network in case you want a public Wi-Fi for customers. Don’t allow your guests to use the same WiFi as your employees. This will help prevent unauthorized access to your business WiFi.

6. Tear up Important Documents before disposing of them

Not all cyber security threat is digital. It arrives at the physical front as well. Hence, it is equally important to protect your physical documents. Tossing your sensitive documents or files in the trash is also not safe. Once it reaches trash, you can't say who could access it. Therefore, minimize the potential harms by tearing up or shredding all the sensitive files such as customer quotes, printed documents, receipts, invoices and so on.

Conclusion

By incorporating security practices into your small business, you can avoid both physical and cyber attacks. In case you are planning to open your own cyber security firm, make sure to get a logo to make it stand out. You can take the help of Designhill to get one.

 

Business

Powering Shepparton’s Businesses: Expert Commercial Electrical Services You Can Count On

When it comes to running a successful business, having reliable, compliant, and efficient electrical systems is non-negotiable. From small retail outlets to large-scale industrial operations, every commercial facility depends on...

The Smart Way to Grow Online: SEO Management Sydney Businesses Can Rely On

If you’re a Sydney-based business owner, you already know the digital space is crowded. But with the right strategy, you don’t need to shout the loudest — you just need...

Building a Governance Model for Headless Content Management at Scale

Image by pch.vector on Freepik There's never been a better time to implement a headless content management system (CMS) to gain the flexibility and scalability necessary for developing digital experiences...

Understanding Trade Insurance: Essential Protection for Businesses

Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik In the current economic environment, trade insurance is an important element for companies trading both locally and internationally. This is a type of insurance that reduces...

Navigating the Digital Landscape: Managed IT Solutions and IT Services in Townsville

As technology advances at an unprecedented pace, companies must adapt to embrace the transformation ahead. With an evolving technology landscape, managing technology effectively is a strategic priority for every North...

Maximising Operational Efficiency: Electric Winch Hire Australia and Hydraulic Power Pack Hire Solutions

Image by jcomp on Freepik From urban construction sites and remote mining operations to coastal maritime facilities, specialised equipment solutions are integral across Australia's varying industrial landscape to deliver project success...

Electrician Perth: Your Go-To Guide for Home Electrical Safety

When it comes to keeping your home safe and sound, electricity is something you simply can't afford to ignore. Faulty wiring, outdated switchboards...

Pontoon Boats - The New Must-Have for Luxe Canal Homes

If you are living on a canal in Australia, you are already living the dream. But living near the water without a boat is like owning a horse without...

Perth Airport Transfers: Choosing the Right Service

Touching down in a new city can be exciting, but let's be honest, it can also be a bit stressful. After a long flight, the last thing you want to wo...

How to Save Smart: Cheapest Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa without Cutting Corners

Picture this: you’ve found a last-minute flight to Milan, your hotel booking comes with breakfast and a rooftop view, and your itinerary is ready ...

Keeping Lone and Remote Workers Safe: Employer Duties and Practical Solutions

In Australia, thousands of employees work alone, in remote locations, or in direct contact with the public every day. While these roles are critical...

How Your General Dentist Supports Your Smile Over a Lifetime

A healthy grin is more than just a desirable feature; it reflects overall health, well-being, and self-esteem. Our oral health needs evolve from chi...

A Brighter Smile in Sydney: Expert Cosmetic Dentists and Veneers Solutions

A confident smile can open doors, boost your self-esteem, and leave a lasting impression. In Sydney, more people than ever are turning to cosmetic den...

How To Keep Vase Flowers Fresh Through Australia’s Coldest Months

Winter flowers develop slowly, which gives them stronger structure and longer vase life Heat from indoor environments is the biggest threat to th...

Artificial Intelligence is Powering the Growth of Australian Telehealth Services

Many Australians have traditionally experienced difficulties in accessing timely and quality healthcare, especially those who live in rural or remot...

VR Training in Australia – Customer Service Risk Management

In today’s rapidly evolving workplaces, Australian organisations are turning to immersive learning tools like VR to handle specialised needs such ...

Powering Shepparton’s Businesses: Expert Commercial Electrical Services You Can Count On

When it comes to running a successful business, having reliable, compliant, and efficient electrical systems is non-negotiable. From small retail ou...

Maximise Efficiency: Cleaner Solar Panels for Optimal Performance

Solar panels are a smart investment in energy efficiency, sustainability, and long-term savings—especially here in Cairns, where the tropical sun ...

7 Common Air Conditioner Issues in Melbourne – And How to Fix Them

Image by freepik Living in Melbourne, we all know how unpredictable the weather can be. One moment it’s cold and windy, the next it’s a scorchin...

Powering Palm QLD with Reliable Electrical Solutions

Image by pvproductions on Freepik When it comes to finding a trustworthy electrician Palm QLD locals can count on, the team at East Coast Sparkies s...

The Smart Way to Grow Online: SEO Management Sydney Businesses Can Rely On

If you’re a Sydney-based business owner, you already know the digital space is crowded. But with the right strategy, you don’t need to shout the...

What Your Car Says About You: The Personality Behind the Vehicle

You can tell a lot about someone by the car they drive—or at least, that’s what people think. True Blue Mobile Mechanics reckon the car says a l...

The Confidence Curve: Why Boudoir Photography Is the Empowerment Trend You Didn’t Know You Needed

Boudoir photography has been quietly taking over social feeds, Pinterest boards, and personal milestones—and for good reason. It’s not just abou...

Understanding Level 2 Electricians: Why Sydney Residents Need Licenced Experts for Complex Electrical Work

When it comes to electrical work around the home or business, not all electricians are created equal. In Sydney, particularly when you're dealing wi...