How to protect your small business against cyberattacks

Cybercrime is a pervasive force that can impact companies of all types. According to Hiscox's 2019 Cyber Readiness Report, a cyberattack will cost businesses of any size an average of $200,000. This level of damage can easily put a smaller company out of business. If you are a small business owner concerned about the safety of your company and the data it possesses, there are several measures you can implement to defend against hackers.

Strong passwords

One of the most widespread causes of data breaches are poor password habits on the part of employees. Avast, a maker of computer security software, reports that 83% of Americans do not utilize strong passwords. Strong passwords contain each of the following: numbers, special characters, upper and lower case letters, and at least ten characters. Too often, the average person uses a password that utilizes simple digits, such as birthdays, or personal information that is easy for any prospective hacker to research. Companies should thus mandate the use of strong passwords among their employees, as well as other measures such as the routine changing of pass codes and other security keys. 

Even the most powerful companies are not immune to cyberattacks.

Human error

Of course, strong password policies bring with them a new problem. Workplaces that have overly draconian security policies will see employees take shortcuts to circumvent them, due to their inconvenient nature. If password requirements are overly complicated, employees will have difficultly memorizing them, and will instead write them down on sticky notes or paper that may be left in plain view. Thus, owners of small businesses should find a good balance between strong security and convenience when crafting their policies. In turn, employees should be expected to memorize their passwords or otherwise store them in non-public, hidden places. 

Proper architecture

Proper employee training can only go so far in the fight against cybersecurity, however. Companies need proper network security architecture in order to truly protect themselves from hostile actors. Computing technology that possess modern cybersecurity protocols are a necessity for any company in the interconnected business world. And this applies to all aspects of a company. Datacenters should be built with quality hardware and software, and kept up-to-date in order to defend against the latest cybercriminal tactics. On the other end of the spectrum, computers used by even the lowest level of employees should have antivirus, anti-malware, firewalls and other security software installed on them to protect information at all levels of seniority.

Cybercrime might have the potential to do a lot of damage to a business, but there are many ways for companies to prepare. Small business owners that prioritize proper computing security practices will be in a much safer place than owners that do not. 

Categorised in: Business Law

This post was written by