Is your small business a cybersecurity risk? Running a business is enough work as it is. It’s important that you don’t put your company at risk while doing so. In a technology-driven world, it can be hard to navigate the threats to your business’s data, information, and hardware. These five tips will amp up your business’s security and are important in elevating your company’s internal structure.
1. It starts with employees.
Many cyberattacks begin with unknowledgeable employees untrained in security principles. Training your employees on basic security practices and establishing internet use guidelines are vital. Clear rules should be set for where customer information and company files are stored.
2. Passwords and authentication are a must.
Employee and account passwords both matter! Requiring employees to change passwords at least every six months is an easy step to improving your security. As well as implementing multi-factor authentication for important accounts. This can include multi-factoring through personal cell phone numbers or requiring an email code. This additional step adds a level of protection and provides peace of mind when it comes to the accounts that matter most.
3. Checks and balances are important.
Limiting employee access to information and authority to install software is a key part of cybersecurity. Providing access to only the information employees need to do their job is an important check and balance for your company to remain secure. Only allowing knowledgeable employees to install software will help prevent malware attacks or downloading programs that may put your data at risk.
4. Not backing up your data can cost you.
Making sure that your most important information is backed up is a must, not just for cybersecurity reasons! Technology can sometimes fail, and it’s necessary that you have the information you need to keep your company running from cyberattacks or not!
5. Not everything should be shared.
Sharing accounts, logins, or passwords is a mistake many small businesses make because of how convenient it is. Each employee should have a separate account for computers and their own emails to limit administrative privileges. The more shared accounts and passwords a company has, the less secure the information is.
Our IT experts specialize in making technology work for you. Cybersecurity can help your business save money, prevent costly mistakes, and protect your customers’ information. We provide cybersecurity and IT support services in Ames, Iowa, and in this blog, we’ll discuss why.
