We’re all aware that cyber security refers to protecting and strengthening your computers and internet-based systems.
This is essential to protect them from unintended or unauthorized access, modifications, robbery, and obliteration.
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.
Cyber-Security Technology
Technology helps with:
- conducting long-distance conferences
- advertising
- buying and selling
- researching
- identifying new markets
- communicating with customers and suppliers
- conducting banking transactions
You can bring attacks in the physical realm under control with the help of technological aids and state-of-art security cameras.
But 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.
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.
Can You Protect Your Business?
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.
And don’t forget your home, too!
Originally published 2/20/17; updated 4/21/21 to format more mobile-friendly, add the infographic and
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Thanks a lot for that! Cyber security is very important to the business. A small and cheap mistake could turn into a giant snowball of problems
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Thanks for sharing such great info on Cyber Security. Now it is a big problem in online commerce, You have mentioned the right ways to deal with it. Keep posting!
Thank you for this insightful post.
The importance of cyber-security in small business needs to be talked about a lot more. Please keep doing what you’re doing to educate us.
The Franchise King®
Joel Libava
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Hi Joel,
Great to see you here! I was just on your site the other day checking out what’s happening in the franchise world. Cyber-security is getting tougher all the time. Maybe Aura will be able to simplify it.
Gail Gardner would love you to read ..How to Build High-Converting Websites for Your Clients at Scale [Infographic]
Thanks for the post, I wasn’t aware that cyber security was that important. I guess, I’ll read your tips more carefully.
Thanks a lot
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I have been a victim of hackers. They sent me an email and I was able to click the link attached on the email. Luckily my team was able to set counter measures just like you stated in your article. I learned a lesson to definitely ignore suspicious emails next time. Those are excellent tips!
Hi Tim,
Yes, sadly many people click on links they shouldn’t. Always check with the person who sent it if an email appears to be from someone you know and you weren’t expecting it.
Hackers are very good at spoofing (impersonating) people you already know.
Gail Gardner would love you to read ..The Relevance of Storytelling in Brand Marketing [Infographics]
Hi Zak Mustapha
I used the internet for so many years but don’t know about these tips. I am really happy to know about internet security. Now I know online security is so many important for online business. Thanks for sharing your post.
Thanks again and we want more updates from you.
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Very important in today’s online era, safety and cyber crimes are increasing hence firewall and enhance web security is the need of the hour. Thanks for providing valuable info
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. Thanks for this post
this is a most useful article on the cyber security of the business. it gives a ideas of how can we make our data safer.
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Very good article on cyber security. Without security online business is adding theats in work .In Modern time and due to pandemic situation most of the small business using online proces for their daily work .So it is very important to give importance of security.The article will help organization from stealing threats of their classified data.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…!!
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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!
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.
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!
Hi Zac,
Well written .
in todays online world, security is big issue. Low security is a daring part of online world.
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!
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.
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.
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
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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.
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….
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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.
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Question: how much does Cyber Security cost? There are some SMBs that can’t afford an Anti-Virus…
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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.
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Awesome post. In online business security is the big matter. This post is great to read. Very informative post. Thanks for sharing with us.