Small Business Guide: Keeping Up with Cyber Security Tips

Cybercrime is continuing to rise. An Internet Crime Report in 2021 reported that 847,376 cybercrimes were reported last year. It further states that a 7 percent increase was noticed since 2020, resulting in a loss of $6.9 billion. The most common cyber security complaints included ransomware, cryptocurrency fraud, and business email compromise. 

Cyber security mistake causes millions of dollars off loss to companies. At the same time, cyber security for the larger companies and enterprises results in million, sometimes billion, of loss and valuable data. Still, for the small business company in a non-reversible position, cyber security is a concern. 

Why Are Businesses Prone to Cybercrime

Many small and medium-sized businesses often lack much-needed cyber security– mainly due to a lack of resources and essential tools. A cyber-attack on small businesses socially can be a fatal blow. One recent research found that 75 percent of small businesses have shut down due to compromised data and software by cybercriminals. The breach at a small business costs more than just monetary loss. Instead, small business causes intense disruption to companies’ operations. 

After the pandemic, companies are in a phase of recovering from the crisis. To avoid any unusual circumstance, specifically a cyberattack;  the small business owners should work on following suggestions. 

Time to train your employees

Small businesses are the best targets of cybercriminals. It is mainly because small businesses hire untrained staff that either lack cyber security knowledge or do not have the right tools to catch a cyber threat before the attack occurs. Small businesses often find their data hostage for ransom or sold to other parties within rigorous security concerns and less knowledgeable staff.

Small business owners need to keep their employees informed about the latest security changes and policies. Most importantly, if your workers perform their tasks from home, they need to use secure internet connections. There are plenty of reliable phone and internet bundles from well-known internet service providers like Cox Communications. Especially with Cox, customers receive instant replies to their queries from COX SERVICIO AL CLIENTE EN ESPAÑOL. 

Another good security practice apart from working via a secure internet connection is educating employees. From interns to leadership, small business owners have to make an effort to inform staff about everyday security concerns and threats. Once your entire team knows about security policies and is well-knowledgeable, they can tell the difference between fraudulent and legitimate emails. 

Most cyber criminals these days use an email tactic called mail spoofing. The email spoofing technique involves a phishing email campaign that manipulates employees into believing that the email came from a trusted source. 

Start with strong email passwords

Cyber security experts emphasize creating a unique and strong password for formal business accounts. However, many employees do not bat an eye on emphasis and usually make a single pass for different professional accounts. Suppose you, too, are someone who has difficulty remembering different passwords for other versions. In that case, you can use a password manager. A password manager will regularly secure and store all the origins for each employee account and prompt to update or change passwords.

Use alternative email accounts

One way to reduce your company accounts from risky spoofed emails is by listing alternative email addresses when registering for any online activities. For instance, if your marketing team is supposed to host webinars, then instead of using emails meant for company-related stuff, your marketing team can use alternate professional emails solely dedicated to online activities.

Keep software up-to-date

One of the most common ways to keep company computers and devices secure is to update the malware software. 

The malware software, when installed in patches, can update automatically. In addition, it is crucial to attest versions of malware software so that you are not vulnerable to cyber security attacks.

Designate an IT leader

No matter what your business size is, you need to hire an IT leader. They can be either internal employees or a third party here—a practical IT leadership helps in minimizing the risk of a breach and developing a constant monitoring system.

Closing lines

Cyberattacks are on the rise. Cybercriminals are more vigilant than ever. Small businesses are an easier target. All these factors mentioned in the article encourage small business owners to stay proactive against cyberattacks.