When talking about cybersecurity, it’s a common tendency to consider only the large corporates and MNCs. However, small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) are easier prey for cyber attackers because of the lack of cybersecurity measures in SMBs. This blog will look at the cost-effective steps SMBs can take to safeguard their business from cyber-attacks.
Setting up a small business needs a load of effort, courage, and dedication. Still, at any given time, threats are looming to disrupt the business – competition, new technology, change in customer demand, etc. Moreover, today, a new threat always looms large on any business – cybercrimes. However, most SMBs do not acknowledge the danger and assume that they are not targets. Therefore, it is time to understand that hackers are opportunists, and if they get the chance to manipulate your data and digital infrastructure, they will do so without hesitation.
Recent studies have shown that almost 22% of small businesses have fallen prey to some cyber threat. Small companies, too, have a large amount of data. While their incomes are not comparable to large MNCs, they are enough to attract criminal intentions. Most importantly, the adoption of cybersecurity measures is significantly lower than large corporates; thus, making them the best targets.
A modest investment in cyber safety can prove to be highly beneficial in the long run. It can save you substantial financial losses as well as any damage to your reputation.
Here are some ways in which you can protect your Small Business from Cyberattacks-
- Secure wi-fi networks
Businesses must make sure to keep their wi-fi network secure, encrypted, and hidden. Set up your point or router so that it does not broadcast your network name.
- Secure cloud setup
Today everyone is turning towards the cloud as it is efficient, cost-effective, and accessible. But that is more of the reason that you should keep your cloud-based infrastructure and applications secure. Choose cloud-based infrastructure with built-in safeguards to avoid threats and vulnerabilities.
- Deploy VPNs and firewalls
Virtual private networks (VPNs) and firewalls are highly effective if used properly. VPN provides controlled connectivity over a public network. A VPN also helps to create a secure network even when you don’t have a secure WLAN.
- Regularly update and upgrade
Many businesses leave their software un-updated. Hackers are always in search of attacking websites that are not updated. Therefore, the best commitment is to update, be on the lookout for new threats, and issue an upgrade to guard against them.
- Limit access for employees
Most of the cyberattacks and threats come from inside the organization, so it’s best to segment data and limit its access to employees to avoid damage. Maintaining control over what your employees can access from their work monitor or laptop limits the risk of cyber threats and keeps confidential and sensitive information free from exploitation.
- Train your employees
Employee training can turn to be the most fruitful decision as many threats are not a result of infiltration or hacking but are a result of inadequate employee training or lack of knowledge. Often, employees click on some pop-ups or fall for some phishing scheme which leads to a loss.
The best practices for an employee include- choosing a strong password, identifying phishing emails and schemes, and not using personal devices for work. A diligent and alert employee is the best gift for the company, so you must consider investing in proper employee training.
- Backup your data
If your company faces a ransomware attack or suffers a natural disaster, then data backups can prove to be a lifesaver. Having a backup plan is always a good decision.
Conclusion
Above mentioned steps can help SMBs gear up their cybersecurity cost-effectively. It is always better to prevent an attack than respond to one. Thus, you must make such investments.
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