You need to secure your small business's data. How can you do it without breaking the bank?

Promote the use of robust passwords: It is important to emphasize to your staff the importance of creating and regularly updating strong passwords. By implementing a password policy that strictly enforces the use of complex passwords, you can significantly enhance security measures without incurring additional costs. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA): It is strongly recommended to enable MFA for all critical business accounts, such as those associated with banking, email, or cloud services. MFA introduces an additional layer of protection by requiring users to verify their identities through multiple means, including a password and a unique temporary code delivered to their mobile devices.

Predictability in passwords is the enemy of 'security and privacy', it 'lets your guard down' and leads to easy guessing and data breaches.  Embrace a strong password policy to create your first line of defense. - The longer the password, the harder it is to crack.  - Combo Mix with Up/Low cases, Number/Symbol to make it complex - Don't reuse, have unique passwords for each account - Avoid predictable personal info like birthdays, pet names, etc., - Don't depend on your memory, use a free password manager tool like Zoho Vault. - Add an extra layer by adopting MFA which has another verification.

Instead of using strong password, do consider Passphrases. Passphrases are favored for several reasons. They tend to be longer than traditional passwords, making them more resistant to brute force attacks. Additionally, passphrases are often easier to remember for users since they can be composed of multiple words or a sentence. This ease of recall encourages people to choose complex and unique combinations, enhancing overall security. However, it's crucial to ensure passphrases are still sufficiently complex with a mix of characters to withstand various hacking techniques.

Separate User Accounts from Admin Accounts. Remarkably most people at home and small businesses let users run their pc/laptops as with Admin rights. Setting up an Admin account and changing your user account to standard or non-admin will defeat many attacks. This is a simple no cost step to protect users. In my home and in my corporate environment no one, not even any of our admins use their daily account and identity at an admin level. When we surf the web and check email, we have no more rights than anyone else and we never use our Admin Accounts to surf the web and check email. This works well to reduce the risks of most hacks.

Consider the role of end-to-end encryption in preserving the confidentiality of your communications. Utilizing messaging apps or email services that employ end-to-end encryption ensures that the content of your messages remains private throughout the entire transmission process. This form of encryption prevents even the service providers from accessing the content, offering an added layer of security against potential eavesdropping or unauthorized access. Choosing services that prioritize end-to-end encryption is a strategic step in safeguarding the integrity of your sensitive information in the digital realm.

It's important to consider that data needs to be encrypted in motion and at rest. This entails using techniques such as TLS when transmitting data over HTTP or FTP. Additionally, using IPSec can help while data transits layer 3. Protecting data at rest should go beyond full disk encryption and focus on utilizing built in encryption at the database level where file encryption as well as data element encryption should be used to protect sensitive information as it sits in the database. Most importantly, encryption relies on the strength and security of the encrypting keys. Ensure that keys are well managed in a hardware security module, or key management system.

2FA is essential to the security of any modern enterprise environment. 2FA is relatively low cost and provides an invaluable layer of security. Also, training your IT staff and along with SOPs that educate your staff about the dangers of social hacks / exploitation (i.e. impersonation) of trust is essential, in my opinion.

Ensuring security, primarily online, requires encrypting data. This process turns information into a code accessible only to authorized parties with the correct key. Tools like BitLocker, FileVault, and encrypted devices guarantee effective encryption. Services like SSL, TLS, and VPN add extra layers of protection during data transmission over the internet, securing sensitive information. Stay alert against evolving threats to maintain a robust security posture.

Apply encrypt approach is the best for most , but at times if your system is not run with cutting edge technology, it may bring cost concern

As we all know that there is no platform or organization that's too secure, because security is a continuous process,at the other hand data back up is very crucial for all organizations so as to not loose any file or important documents when there is a data breach, example of back up medium is veritas and other cloud backup medium.

Cyberattacks and breaches happen every day. If you experience a ransomware attack, or a situation where systems are down, how soon can you recover? Backups are critical to restoring operations in the event of an incident. Plan your backup schedules and retention periods around your business needs for continuity and availability. If the cost of being down for an entire day or losing an entire day's worth of data is high, build your backup strategy to be able to restore to more frequently backed up points in time, and a process to restore systems that meets your business objectives and minimizes your risk/costs.

In my experience testing backups helps to prevent data loss. There are many tools and devices around. To serve the business when needed it is also important to recover data as soon as possible. It is also important to back up on different environment. In my experience, I was taking backups on cassettes and on cloud or disks. While taking own backup I use Google Drive and external disk. This way data loss is very minimized.

In order to keep your important data safe, store it in at least two separate places. And also, disaster recovery solutions for physical, virtual and cloud environments, just to keep your business up-and-running at all times.

if you handle PII, backup your data OFFLINE. losing that data to attackers is no excuse if you keep regular rotations of those backups.

Outdated software with known vulnerabilities (gaps) acts as an invitation for cybercriminals (adversaries) to exploit your weaknesses. Vulnerabilities which are known to all parties has to be treated to avoid the risk. Exposure of the assets with high vulnerabilities causes threat to business. The vulnerabilities could be in shades of OS, drivers, applications, 3rd party application etc., Having a vulnerability and patch management application can bring visibility about the vulnerability and automated remediation. Practicing a scheduled updates for software denotes proactive preparedness as first line of defence. Contrary, you would be spending more time, resource and energy on detect and respond.

What most don’t realize is that keeping software up to date means that you’re updating an application that a security team and development team (simplified) is sitting behind the curtain (of that software) making sure it’s patched for known vulnerabilities (virtual holes that hackers have either poked or uncovered). While it may seem like an inconvenience I can guarantee it’s less of an inconvenience than someone stealing your important information. Just do it!

Mantener el software actualizado es crucial para proteger tus datos. Las actualizaciones corrigen errores, vulnerabilidades y problemas de compatibilidad que pueden ser explotados por piratas informáticos para acceder a tu información. Recomendaciones: • Actualiza con frecuencia: Sistema operativo, aplicaciones, navegadores, antivirus y cortafuegos. • Activa las actualizaciones automáticas: Ahorra tiempo y asegura estar siempre protegido. • Desinstala software innecesario: Reduce riesgos y optimiza tu dispositivo. Experiencias: • Actualización de un navegador web: Corrigió una vulnerabilidad. • Actualización del antivirus: Detectó y eliminó un nuevo malware. • Actualización del sistema operativo: Mejoró la seguridad y el rendimiento.

Automated patching and centrally managing the application of patching is one of the cheapest (free) and easiest ways to ensure your applications and systems are as secure as the vendor can make them.

Software updates often include patches for known vulnerabilities, security enhancements, and bug fixes. Neglecting updates can leave systems exposed to potential exploits and cyber threats. Regularly updating software not only fortifies defenses against evolving security risks but also ensures compatibility with the latest security protocols. This proactive approach is crucial in the dynamic landscape of cybersecurity, where attackers continually look for vulnerabilities to exploit. By staying current with software updates, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security incidents, thereby enhancing the overall resilience and protection of their critical business data.

VPNs are an interesting part in securing an organisation's data. Below are the steps I would suggest. 1. Block access to all the public VPN services/providers from the corporate network. 2. For the clients/vendors/contractors/employees connecting to the company's network must use the company provided VPN solution with 2FA & Route All Traffic enabled. 3. If personal systems are permitted to connect using SSL VPN or clients like Citrix, additional controls must be implemented from the DLP front.

Para ciertas actividades (conexiones remotas desde un Hotel, aeropuerto, cafe, o red publica en general ...) es importante el uso de esta tecnologia que nos permite entrar remotamente a un sistema a traves de un tunel cifrado inalcanzable para individuos indeseados manteniendo la seguridad y fiabilidad del dato, configuraccion y acceso a nuestra plataforma remota ...

Especially in current times, where most of IT corporations still allow employees to work from home, a good VPN solution is a must ,if you want to exchange the data safely. Good VPN cluster is not expensive to set up and reduces the probability of critical security failure.

A VPN encrypts the data transmitted between the user's device and the server, protecting it from potential eavesdropping or interception by malicious actors. This encryption is especially vital when accessing sensitive business information over public Wi-Fi networks, where security risks are higher. Additionally, a VPN masks the user's IP address, enhancing anonymity and reducing the risk of targeted cyber attacks. By creating a secure and private communication channel, a VPN ensures the confidentiality and integrity of business data, providing a robust defense against potential threats in the digital landscape.

For remote work or when using public Wi-Fi, a VPN can protect data in transit. There are several affordable, reputable VPN services that small businesses can use to enhance privacy and security.

The most important word is: CONTINUOUS. Tools, processes, policies, education, … are the basics but continuous training, monitoring and improvement is the key to success. Every company should ask their MSP to have a Managed Security Awareness program implemented including regular training, repeated video programs, continuous phishing simulations, … with KPI allowing continuous steering to improve the results.

One of the major cause of cyber attacks and/or data breach does originate from within the organization. Educating your staff needs to be on the top of the list on how to secure your data. Nothing would work 100% unless internal staff understands the importance of not making silly mistakes or help attackers to gain access by ignorance of best practices.

For affordable solutions, explore open-source security tools and leverage free resources provided by cybersecurity communities. 1. Free/Open-Source Tools: Utilize free antivirus software, firewalls, and encryption tools available in the open-source community. Open-source solutions often provide robust security without the hefty price tag. 2. Affordable Security Suites: - Explore affordable security suites designed for small businesses, offering a comprehensive package with antivirus, firewall, and other essential features. - Look for subscription-based models that spread the cost over time. 3. Cloud-Based Security Services: - Consider cloud-based security services that offer scalable solutions with a pay-as-you-go model.

Educating your staff is a crucial step to ensuring that they are aware of the risks and responsibilities involved in handling data. I also think that practising cyber hygiene is a habit that everyone should adopt, not only for data security but also for personal and professional well-being. Cyber hygiene means keeping a secure digital environment by following best practices and avoiding cyberattacks. It also means being careful about online sharing and interaction. Therefore, I think that awareness and practice of cyber hygiene are essential for data security and beyond.

In my experience, it's important to train your entire staff and do it on a regular basis. Nobody should be excluded and then test frequently as well.

The best way to start getting a handle on the data in your business is to map how it enters and exits. A small business can start doing this without purchasing additional software or hiring additional people by mapping data flows that show how sensitive data is processed, what systems it traverses, and how it's shared with others. Then, seek to condense the data streams. Why? The more different ways data goes in and out, the more chance there is for loss. The better you can distill data processes, eliminating unnecessary or redundant workflows, the less systems that data resides on. This allows you to focus protection efforts with traditional access control lists on the principle of least privilege, decreasing the chance of compromise.

Limit user privileges: To minimize the likelihood of data breaches or accidental data loss resulting from unauthorized actions, it is advisable to grant employees access privileges solely on a "need-to-know" basis. By restricting access to sensitive information, you reduce the potential risks associated with unauthorized use.

Look at The Essential 8. These are recommended by the ACSC as fundamental security practices to counter the most common cyber threats. (Luckily you can target the practices at your current maturity level and then scale up over time) To implement the Essential 8 small businesses should aim to build success as per: 1. Understand the current state risk profile 2. Develop a SMART strategy to wrap over the implementation 3. Assign roles and responsibilities 4. Implement as per strategy 5. Review and adjust. Unfortunately cybersecurity efforts never stop!

Implementar soluções de segurança robustas como firewall em failover com regras rigorosas de inbound e outbound, criptografia dos discos de todo o parque de equipamentos, antivírus de ponta, limitação de privilégios nas contas e web proxy de qualidade são alguns exemplos que podem ser levantados.

You can't secure what you can't see. One of the first things that should be done is to inventory your data. This can be done by associating the data with a business process, system , or person. Once its inventoried it will need to be classified. These are a few steps to get any SMB started.