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5 Cyber Security Measures Your Business Needs to Consider

February 20, 2017 By Zak Mustapha 22 Comments

We’re all aware that cyber security refers to protecting and strengthening your computers and internet-based systems from unintended or unauthorized access, modifications, robbery, and obliteration.

5 Cyber Security Measures Your Business Needs to Consider
Photo by Matthew Henry

A lot of modern small businesses use web-based technology and tools to carry out their day-to-day functions. The internet and the cloud have become integral to the smooth functioning of small businesses.

Technology helps with conducting long-distance conferences, advertising, buying and selling, researching, identifying new markets, communicating with customers and suppliers, and even conducting banking transactions.

While you can bring attacks in the physical realm under control with the help of technological aids and state-of-art security cameras, the virtual world is a different ball game. The internet might be a boon, but it also has its fair share of weaknesses.

Along with its benefits, there are many risks, which are only growing by the day. Small businesses often fall prey to cyber attacks due to loopholes in their cyber security measures.

Below are a few cyber security tactics that all small businesses should have in place to protect themselves from virtual perils.

Table of Contents

    • 1. Install Reliable Antivirus Software
    • 2. Protect with a Firewall and Install Encryption Software
    • 3. Ignore Suspicious Emails
    • 4. Limit Access to Critical Data and Do Regular Back-Ups
    • 5. Communicate Cyber Security Policies to Employees
  • Conclusion
      • Zak Mustapha
      • Latest posts by Zak Mustapha (see all)

1. Install Reliable Antivirus Software

A good, reliable antivirus program is a basic must-have of any cyber security system. Apart from that, anti-malware is also an essential. These programs work as the final frontier for defending against unwanted attacks should anyone get through your security network.

Antivirus and anti-malware detect and remove viruses and malware, adware, and spyware. They scan through and filter out potentially harmful downloads and emails.

2. Protect with a Firewall and Install Encryption Software

A firewall is necessary, as it helps you protect your inbound and outbound network traffic. Firewalls can stop hackers from attacking your network by blocking certain websites. You can also program firewalls to restrict anyone from sending out proprietary data and confidential emails from your company’s network.

If you deal with data pertaining to credit cards, bank accounts, and social security numbers on a daily basis, it makes sense to have an encryption program in place. Encryption keeps data safe by altering information on the computer into unreadable codes.

That way, even if someone does steal your data, it will be useless to the hacker because he won’t have the keys to decrypt the data and decipher the information.

3. Ignore Suspicious Emails

Make it a habit never to open or reply to suspicious-looking emails, even if they appear to be from a sender you know. If you do open the email, do not click on suspicious links or download attachments. Doing so might make you a victim of online financial and identity theft, including “phishing” scams.

Phishing emails appear to come from trustworthy senders, such as a bank or someone with whom you might have done business. Through the email, the hacker attempts to acquire your private and financial data, such as bank account details and credit card numbers.

4. Limit Access to Critical Data and Do Regular Back-Ups

Keep the number of people with access to critical data to a minimum. For example, limit them to the company’s CEO, CIO, and a handful of trusted staff. Formulate a clear plan that mentions which individual has access to which sensitive information in order to have increased accountability.

Every week, back up your data to an external hard drive or the cloud yourself. Or schedule automated backups to ensure that your information is stored safely. That way, even if your systems are compromised, you still have your information safe with you.

5. Communicate Cyber Security Policies to Employees

Having a written cyber security policy listing the the dos and don’ts of using office systems and the internet is helpful, but not enough. You have to ensure you communicate the policy’s details to your employees and that they understand them.

Your employees need to be able to put your policy into practice. That is the only way of making such policies effective. And make sure you amend your policy regularly according to the relevance of its content.

Conclusion

Having your business disrupted because of attempts to steal confidential data and money is a very real threat. Although a business can never be completely safe from such dangers, there are several security practices, processes, and systems that can help you bust security threats.

Keep your eyes and ears open to suspicious behavior on the part of your employees and outsiders. Use surveillance systems to identify those with vested interests in your company. Aside from those strategies, the above tips should come in handy for amping up your cyber security measures.

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Zak Mustapha

Zak Mustapha is a High-Ticket Closer who helps influencers, coaches and marketers with packages over $2.5K multiply their sales and achieve exponential growth. You can find out more on how he helps them do all thatwithout them paying anything from their pocket.
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Filed Under: Small Business Advice Tagged With: anti-spam, cyber attacks, cyber security, security

Comments

  1. jothee priya says

    November 9, 2019 at 3:55 am

    Security is the most important aspect when you are online. I think this article will surely help many people to understand about the risk in business.
    jothee priya would love you to read ..Top 30 Free Content Sharing Websites & Platforms ListMy Profile

    Reply
  2. Erica says

    August 20, 2019 at 8:26 am

    As a security specialist, I can see you are giving an honest suggestion to owners. They don’t have any idea about the data risk in this cyber world. There are many things they can do very well but they don’t. They spend money on many other things, but not on the security side.

    Reply
  3. Manal Shaikh says

    July 26, 2019 at 11:41 am

    Agreed with your point. I couldn’t agree less in any of your point as all of them are very crucial when it comes to managing cybersecurity integrity of you or your business.

    Reply
  4. John lee says

    January 23, 2019 at 8:16 pm

    Your post is great and I want to say that the information you shared is precious. I know that new technology is a positive thing and attract business and people. But with new technology vulnerabilities arrive and many researched have shown that more than 80% of cyber threats are made up of familiar risks to new technology. We should stay in the loop on any crucial update which can affect security.

    Reply
  5. Mike stark says

    January 16, 2019 at 6:52 am

    Great post. Cybersecurity is a big issue for every online business. According to report more than 4000 websites daily hacked. It happens because people are not aware of their data. They make mistakes and don’t take seriously. Your post is great information. Thanks for your great post and efforts. You should also write about cyber security assessment and other things.

    Reply
  6. Entersoft Security says

    June 19, 2018 at 1:34 am

    I also agree with this. Lot’s of Fintech and ICO companies are also suffering from the Cyber attack because of the security loop hole that they try to avoid because of the budgets .

    My suggestion is that instead of paying to hackers after hacking a lot a Budget for cyber Security every year and be secure from all the cyber attacks.

    Reply
  7. Karen Ching says

    May 8, 2018 at 9:17 pm

    I totally agree to this. Businesses who depend online must really have a high cyber security. You are right, we must always do regular back-ups. We should also check if the “back-ups” are fine. Anyways, great reminders. Thanks.

    Reply
  8. Sandeep says

    November 16, 2017 at 3:40 am

    Hi,

    Really informative post with useful detailed Guide to understand the importance of online security for every serious business…..Thanks again for this useful post…!!
    Sandeep would love you to read ..Virus Remover Guide with Effective Tips and TechniquesMy Profile

    Reply
  9. Jonathan says

    August 30, 2017 at 2:01 pm

    Antivirus software is like car insurance, you hope you never have to use it, but when you do you’re glad you’ve had it. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  10. Hayden says

    June 30, 2017 at 1:37 pm

    In this day and age, IT security is arguably more valuable than physical security. It is so great to see articles like these targeted specifically toward businesses.

    Reply
  11. Heather says

    May 1, 2017 at 1:56 pm

    Great information! Too many people take most of these measures into account, but then fail to ignore suspicious emails, and once the phishing scammer is in, there’s only so much you can do to prevent identity theft at that point. It’s best just not to click unless you’re certain it’s safe. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  12. Tom Hall says

    March 25, 2017 at 3:42 am

    Hi Zac,

    Well written .
    in todays online world, security is big issue. Low security is a daring part of online world.

    Reply
  13. Selene says

    March 13, 2017 at 3:32 pm

    Great post! Keeping the proper computer security for your business is certainly important. Anti Virus software is key to making sure all of your confidential information is not stolen. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  14. Katherine Smith says

    March 7, 2017 at 4:46 am

    Security is the major concern for any business no matter what’s the size of the business either small or medium. Security matters a lot and considering above tips for your business is worth it.

    Reply
    • Hayden says

      June 30, 2017 at 1:41 pm

      i completely agree. I deal with a lot of small businesses and so many of the owners don’t see any kind of need for IT security at all.

      Reply
  15. Harikrishna Kundariya says

    February 23, 2017 at 7:54 am

    Really Awesome Post, Zak
    I am applying the same thing in my laptop and free from virus and malware problem.
    Once again, Thanks a lot
    Harikrishna Kundariya would love you to read ..Millennials And Business CollaborationMy Profile

    Reply
  16. Bhavik Solanki says

    February 23, 2017 at 6:32 am

    Thank you for sharing this great Article. In this post give good explanation in detail that helpful for business. Now days cyber security is most important and helpful for business and for that in this post give good explanation in detail that helpful and useful. It’s Wonderful information.

    Reply
  17. Shelly says

    February 22, 2017 at 2:30 am

    Great post. Say, wha’s a good(reliable) but affordable anti-virus that you would reccomend for SMBs? Some of these anti-virus companies have big names but no value for the money….
    Shelly would love you to read ..Fetal StethoscopeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Zak Mustapha says

      February 22, 2017 at 8:52 pm

      Hello Shelly,

      Thanks for your comment. That’s a good question.

      I use Kaspersky right now. Which I purchased for a discount from another website.

      I just googled “best antivirus softwares” and got a list of softwares with discount prices.

      You could also Google “antivirus discounts” or something like that. You should expect to pay around $30-$60 for a 1 yr license… sometimes more sometimes less. Depending on the features you add.

      Hope that helps.
      Zak Mustapha would love you to read ..8 Guest Blogging Mistakes That Won’t Get You PublishedMy Profile

      Reply
  18. Vlad says

    February 21, 2017 at 9:44 am

    Question: how much does Cyber Security cost? There are some SMBs that can’t afford an Anti-Virus…
    Vlad would love you to read ..Universidades Privadas en MéxicoMy Profile

    Reply
    • Gail Gardner says

      February 21, 2017 at 3:49 pm

      Hi Vlad,

      The problem is what it costs if they get hacked compared to what anti-virus costs. That would be an expensive risk to take.
      Gail Gardner would love you to read ..Google’s Biggest Search Algorithm Updates of 2016 [Gifographic]My Profile

      Reply
  19. Alan Clarc says

    February 21, 2017 at 3:39 am

    Awesome post. In online business security is the big matter. This post is great to read. Very informative post. Thanks for sharing with us.

    Reply

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