Since the internet began, cybersecurity threats has been a big concern. Although threats started out as simple viruses, they’ve evolved into complex tactics that include sophisticated social engineering schemes that sometimes fool even diligent people.
If your business has an online presence, you need a strong cybersecurity solution. Overall, the easiest way to get fully protected is to get managed cybersecurity services/ to implement a vulnerability management tool because it’s just not possible to cover everything on your own. For instance, managed IT security will set you up with the three most important elements: security and compliance, awareness training, and penetration testing. While there is a little more to it, these are the main pillars and are best executed by the pros.
Does your current cybersecurity solution have you covered against all detectable threats? Is your network being monitored 24/7? How can you know if your current posture is strong enough?
Here’s a list of the top solutions you need to be secure.
1. Keep your attack surface small
Compared to large corporations, SMBs naturally have a relatively small attack surface, which creates less risk. However, if you’re not careful, your attack surface can expand too far. Keep it as tight as possible by developing protocols to govern how and when it gets expanded.
For example, you might want to implement a companywide rule that prohibits employees from accessing company accounts from their mobile devices in addition to approved work devices. This is a good proactive move because most people will start working from additional devices out of convenience, and they won’t necessarily keep security in mind.
2. Know you are vulnerable
Regardless of how small your business may be, cybercriminals want your data. They know that small businesses tend to have poor security (or no security), and that’s what makes you a main target.
It’s critical that you acknowledge your vulnerability to cybersecurity attacks rather than hold onto the belief that your organization is too small for anyone to care about. The truth is, cybercriminals go after the weakest targets first. The smaller your business, the more you are a target.
3. Make strict decisions
Sometimes vulnerabilities arise from not having strict company policies. Do you control how your employees use company devices and how they access your network and various accounts? If not, you need to implement a strict policy immediately.
Here are some ideas for policies that will keep you protected:
· A ban on BYOD (bring your own device) for employees who work in a physical office.
· Requiring employees to leave their company-issued laptops and desktop computers in the office when they go home.
· Require multi-factor authentication for accessing all company accounts.
· Enable device-based authentication rather than the standard username and password. A user must be using their registered device for their username and password to grant them access.
· Encrypt all email communications across the board so nobody has to remember to encrypt sensitive data.
4. Expect ransomware attacks
Ransomware poses a real threat to your business, and recovery may not even be possible unless you have a solid security plan that includes making daily backups that are kept offline. Sometimes, the only way to recover from ransomware is to ditch your compromised devices and start over.
Forbes reported on some of the top cybersecurity attacks, and ransomware is at the top of the list. In 2021, 70% of all ransomware attacks targeted SMBs, and unfortunately, most pay the ransom because they aren’t prepared. Don’t let this happen to you. Expect that you will get hit by ransomware at some point, and keep your business protected as if that attack is right around the corner.
5. Make frequent and additional backups
Going back to the threat of ransomware, the only way to recover from a major disaster is to have a backup you can restore on any device, including a new one. However, you can’t just back up files and folders. You also need to back up your databases and configurations, which is why most people go with managed IT services. Managed service providers make it easy, and they’ll even monitor your network 24/7 with automated threat detection.
At the very least, get regular audits
Last, but not least, no matter what security solutions you implement, be sure to get regular audits so you know where you stand. You need to know if any of your solutions should be updated or adjusted to account for new threats and changing times.
Cyber threats are real, but securing your business doesn’t have to be hard. Get an audit from an IT security professional and you’ll be one step closer to securing your business against common, yet devastating online threats.
