Major Cybersecurity Mistakes Your Small Business Might Be Making

Small business success has always required passion, hard work, and a bit of luck. In the digital era, however, it can also hinge on strong cybersecurity. Small businesses need to protect themselves from cyberattacks in order to keep their data — and funds and other digital assets — safe. Here’s a look at some of the biggest mistakes businesses make when it comes to cybersecurity:


Neglecting a Cohesive Cybersecurity Approach 

Cybersecurity isn’t achieved through any one-step solution; it’s an ongoing, collaborative effort. One mistake or vulnerability can open up your whole company to attacks. This means that everyone in your business needs to be on the same page and have the same level of protection in order to keep your business’s data secure. 

Since more companies have expanded work-from-home options, however, fewer and fewer businesses have the consistent net of protection necessary to ensure true cybersecurity. Attacks such as ransomware, for example, only need to find one vulnerable point in order to grind your business to a halt. To keep your business protected both near and far, connect with a data management security system that is well-versed in cyberthreats.The right management system will offer continuous monitoring for threats and vulnerabilities, and it will immediately engage if a threat is detected to stop everything in its tracks and to initiate recovery. 

This is also why it’s so important to train each and every employee on good digital security practices. You need to be confident that your employees know, follow, and understand your company’s digital security rules. Clearly explain how practices like using strong passwords and avoiding the use of private email protect your company so employees take these rules seriously. 

Finally, while it's desirable to use convenient tech solutions that save time for everyone in your business, you must ensure that whatever technology you implement is also secure. Time tracking software is a good example -- it's easy to use, lets you streamline schedules, and if it's an app, you can perform time tracking from any device. Just make sure that the solution you choose is safe to use as well, in order to keep everyone's information protected.


Assuming You’re Not a Target
 
Another major mistake many small businesses make is assuming that they’re not going to be a target for cyberattacks. It might surprise you to learn that almost half of small businesses were cyberattack victims last year. Although large enterprises might look like more attractive targets, they also tend to have far better cybersecurity. Criminals know that trying to attack these larger businesses is a losing game more often than not. 

Smaller businesses do lead to smaller payouts, but they’re also easier to attack in the first place. Assuming you might be targeted and preparing appropriately is well worth the investment. Not only are you an easy target otherwise, but it’s far more likely to devastate your small business than it would a larger one. Without protection, cyberattacks can wipe out your business’s entire budget. 


Overlooking Physical Security 

We tend to assume that our data is only at risk when it comes to logging onto the internet or clicking suspicious links. However, your physical security is just as important as your digital security. Make sure your office space has sufficient systems in place to prevent break-ins and other forms of in-person theft. After all, all the great data practices in the world fall flat if someone steals your logged-in laptop while you step away from your desk. 

In addition, think about who has access to your place of business. If you have keyholders among your staff, for example, be sure to change the locks when one of these employees leaves. Websites like Angi provide consumer-generated reviews, so you can find a nearby locksmith with a good reputation. You might also want to consider smart security options, especially if you have a home-based business. A motion-activated camera that sends feed to your phone, an alarm system, and/or security lights can provide some much needed protection.

This also means anticipating and preparing for accidents that can damage your computers and servers. For example, it’s best to do regular data backups and store those backups in a second location. If you keep them at your site and then the building burns down, then the backup is useless. You can use cloud services to store your data backups, but make sure you go with a proven and trusted company--and ask about how they protect their physical sites as well. 

Strong cybersecurity is an ongoing process, and one your business needs to take seriously. These simple mistakes can cost you a ton of money and, in the worst-case scenario, your whole business. We hope this article inspires you to take smart measures to protect your company.

Photo Credit: Pexels

​Guest post by: http://economymom.com