Small business cybersecurity is a difficult topic to approach. Small businesses are often at risk of cyberattacks due to weaker cybersecurity measures, and many lack the resources for a full blown security solution. In this article, we will discuss the common cybersecurity pitfalls of small businesses and provide tips for better protection against cyber threats. We will also discuss how IT service providers, or managed service providers (like us!) can help with small business cybersecurity, even on a budget.
Passwords
One of the most common ways cybercriminals gain access to sensitive information is through weak passwords. While passwords are an ineffective way of authentication, it is still widely used today. Small businesses should enable multifactor authentication wherever possible and require employees to use strong, complex passwords to provide an extra layer of protection.
Employee Training
As with any organization, human error is often the weakest link in small business cybersecurity. Employees should receive regular cybersecurity training to help them identify potential threats and best practices for data protection. Small business cybersecurity training drastically increases awareness and decreases the human attack surface.
Software Updates
Many cyberattacks exploit vulnerabilities in software that have not been updated with the latest security patches. Small businesses should ensure that all software used by their organization is up-to-date.
Data Backup Plan
Data loss can be catastrophic for small businesses. It is important to have a backup plan in place and regularly backup data to a secure, offsite location. This has the added benefit of going beyond cybersecurity, and protects you against physical loss, such as fire or flood
Network Security
Small businesses may not have the resources to implement complex network security measures, but basic security measures should still be in place. This includes using firewalls, antivirus software, and other detection systems.
Security Policies
Small businesses should have clear security policies in place that outline acceptable use of company technology, such as email, social media, and mobile devices. Small business cybersecurity policies should also cover remote work, data handling, and password management.
System Monitoring
Small businesses may not have dedicated IT staff to monitor their systems for potential threats. However, it is important to regularly review logs and monitor systems for unusual activity, as this is often one of the first indications of something going wrong.
How We Can Help?
If you are feeling like our friend above, not to worry. Managed Service Providers (MSPs), such as ourselves, can play a crucial role in helping small businesses address their cybersecurity challenges. We can provide expertise in implementing and managing security measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems. We can also ensure that all software used by the organization is up-to-date and secure, and offer employee training on best practices for data protection with clear security policies that outline acceptable use of company technology.
Additionally, we can provide round-the-clock monitoring of the organization’s systems for potential threats, enabling them to quickly detect and respond to any cybersecurity incidents. Since we monitor the security posture of many clients simultaneously, we are able to drastically lower the barrier to entry and set up small business cybersecurity far more effectively than doing it solo. By partnering with an MSP, small businesses can gain access to advanced security capabilities that would otherwise be out of their reach.
In summary
Small businesses need to be aware of the common cybersecurity pitfalls that can leave them vulnerable to cyberattacks. By implementing basic cybersecurity measures, training employees, and creating clear security policies, small businesses cybersecurity risk can be significantly reduced, in a never ending effort to secure data.
