How to protect your small business

Cyber Security Awareness Month: How to protect your small business

Today's small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) depend on the internet for everyday operations like e-commerce, banking, payroll and ordering, as well as reaching new customers and growing the business.

The more time you spend online, the more of a target you are for cyber threat. By being prepared, you can take away opportunities for attack and limit the impact of any incidents.

74% of SMBs report being concerned or very concerned about cyber attacks

Small businesses are the target for a high percentage of threats

• 70% of data breaches
• 95% of credit card breaches
• 54% of email scams

Threat actors are looking for high value or sensitive information

• Customer records and contact info
• Banking and financial information
• Intellectual property
• Employee information and passwords
• Sales and contract information
• Emergency response plans

Only some SMBs are taking action to protect themselves

• 69% require passwords on all devices
• 60% back up information on all devices
• 37% follow strict protocols when someone leaves the organization
• 36% use encryption software

Cyber safety is a continuous cycle

• Identify: Understand vulnerabilities and possible threats
• Protect: Limit access to sensitive information and systems
• Detect: Use anti-virus and anti-malware software and activity logs
• Respond: Train employees and have a response plan for incidents
• Recover: Back up information and consider cyber insurance

Simple steps you can take to run a cyber safe business

• Educate employees on cyber safety
• Keep OS and software up to date
• Use strong user authentication
• Back up and encrypt important data
• Limit administrative privileges
• Secure portable media (hard drives, USB flash drives, SD cards)
• Install security software
• Learn the risks of cloud computing
• Secure wireless networks
• Set up firewalls and VPNs

Cyber threats can happen to any sized organization.

But you're in business: There are many tools and resources available to combat the increasing number of cyber attacks targeted at small and medium sized businesses.

Security Awareness Training for Your Business

One such "tool" that has the biggest return on investment of all is training your employees to work safer with technology and on the internet. This does not have to be a complicated task to deploy in your business. There are lots of options available to help you get started. One such platform that offers highly engaging, and short to the point videos, and all built on a comprehensive learning platform, is Wizer!

CompuSec & Wizer offers 100% Free Security Awareness Training for everyone!

Here is an example of one of our free training videos for you to see just how easy and engaging training can be! Staff who are engaged retain far more!

Sign-up for Free Security Awareness Training Today!