October was National Cybersecurity Month. Its purpose was to alert and inform small businesses to the continuing threat posed by hackers and cyber criminals. Were you listening? Have you taken steps to fix the vulnerabilities in your computer network and systems. If not, you need to start doing so.
A 201 report reveals that small businesses have become prime targets for hackers and cybercriminals. Around 42% of businesses were affected by cyberattacks last year, according to the report. On top of this, it was found that 69% of small business professionals said they are concerned about any potential future attacks.
Our Plano Texas Law Firm can proactively assist its business clients in assessing and understanding their level of cyber risk, then develop and implement a plan to mitigate that risk. As part of this process, the firm can also assist in meeting regulatory compliance requirements.
How Can You Protect You Firm?
Educate your employees
Even if you are a one-person/woman show, take the time to follow up about a potential gap in your cyber security system and how you can fix it. Employees may be the most significant risk for your business’s cybersecurity, so the best way to go about this is to ensure that when an employee logs into social media accounts or visits websites for personal reasons, it is done on their own devices.
Limit employee data access
Giving even one or two employees unlimited access to all business information and customer data is never a good idea. Better to limit what employees can see, enter, and download. This makes it easier for you to control and monitor what types of data sets are being accessed.
Update software and cybersecurity systems
As your business begins to grow and more devices get added, it’s essential to update systems as you progress. From smartphones, tablets, computers, and laptops to online websites and social media accounts, ensure a strong wall of protection between your business and any bad actors that can hack your data.
Make use of cloud storage
Cloud storage is offers around-the-clock cybersecurity protection. What’s more, you can monitor cloud activity to see if you can spot any suspicious activities or update security protocols.
Conduct cybersecurity assessments
Running the assessments not only helps monitor your devices’ performance, but it can also help you pick up any type of possible threats and clear a device from viruses, worms, and trojans. Typically computer security programs come with a built-in assessment tool that you can launch by yourself or do a bit of research online about free and trusted tools you can use.
Secure Customer Data
Any type of small business that operates online through social media or a website will need to implement some form of customer data protection to help secure your client’s personal information. Securing customer data means that you protect not only your customers, but in case of a potential hack or cyberattack, customers can be assured your business has the needed protocols in place that will counter any bad actors.
Set up a response plan
A final recommendation would be to set up a response plan in case of an attack or data breach. It helps you, as a business owner, know that you are well-prepared and have taken the necessary steps to implement the proper protocols.