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Cybercriminals believe small businesses have weaker security measures that make them easier to hack than big corporations. Many of them are actually not financially fit to install sufficient security infrastructures to combat threats and attacks. Many do not also have cyber insurance in the case of a cyber situation. And if an attack succeeds, most small businesses will instantly be put out of business.
So, despite the carefree attitude of many small business owners, new reports show that various levels of attacks within the past year have hit 66% of small businesses. Most small businesses have faced more phishing and social engineering attacks than big companies.
Network gateways are popular ways to secure access to a company’s network. Network gateway definition: It is an intermediary between multiple networks to promote smooth data flow with adequate security. As a network entry and exit point, it sets the data through correct routing paths, much like a router. They translate traffic between protocols and allow the sharing between systems.
These additional ways will you secure your online business from cyberattacks too.
1. Implement Patches and Ensure Software Updates
It may seem challenging and, in fact, overwhelming to keep up with the latest software updates. But you need more than the router updates for your online security. Ensure to keep the firmware updated frequently as some dangerous viruses are developed through some hardware. In addition, since your drivers are consistently interacting through the equipment, they need to be kept up to date—if not, it could result in some more harmful effects. Whether using a switch, modem, or router, it should be repeatedly reformed and not compromised with your data and loopholes in your company systems. Also, when systems are not patched from time to time, it exposes sensitive information to potential breaches. In essence, hackers could steal information, cause harm, or even take control of systems and other devices.
2. Perform Regular Reviews and Update Recovery Plan and Backup
A backup and recovery plan is necessary to help you retain critical data after a successful attack on your network. A comprehensive one will help you minimize downtime if your network is attacked. It is important to consider how long you think your business will be down in the event of an attack.
Most companies that lose data beyond ten days will often eventually go bankrupt. And the sad truth is that the longer your business continues to be down, the more customers you’ll lose. But your recovery backup plan will help your business stay active regardless.
3. Use Complex Passwords
Passwords are usually the first point hackers need to break into when carrying out their nefarious activities. Weak passwords containing a few letters can be easily walked over. But complex passwords often contain upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters.
Encourage your employees to create passwords without using recognizable words or combinations that can be linked to their birthdays or related information directly linked to them. Also, they should avoid reusing passwords. If they have to struggle with remembering their many passwords, password managers can be of help. There are different options out there.
4. Ransomware Security
Ransomware attacks encrypt your critical data while the attacker makes a daring monetary request to unblock it. Often, the requests are huge and can hardly be met by small companies.
This kind of malicious attack can also quickly spread around your systems—from files to your server storage attachments- if not resolved. Having backup files offline in multiple storage locations will help your business continue operations. In addition, you should configure your backup devices, avoid spam emails, or scan them with antivirus software and firewalls to protect your data. Also, train your employees to avoid falling into greedy offers that can make them provide details to spam emails, text messages, and unwarranted phone calls.
5. Perform Regular Penetration Tests on your network
It is important to conduct periodic penetration tests on your network. Conducting these tests helps you check for loopholes in the network and ensure they are tightened against attacks. Apart from being an effective way to keep your network safe, conducting penetration tests will also showcase opportunities in areas that can be improved for security measures. In fact, you should be consistently looking for ways to improve the security of your network, which may require help finding out what exactly should be given attention to. Start by performing monthly tests; it will help you easily and quickly identify any vulnerability in your network easily and quickly.
6. Hire IT Professionals to Monitor Your Network
Cybercriminals are consistently looking for ways to break into your network infrastructure. They’ll never relent in discovering new ways to achieve their aim. Hence, you should never relentlessly secure your network even further with the latest technology and tactics.
IT experts can help you perform audits on your systems, install upgrades and patches, monitor your network system 24/7, and periodically review and adjust your backup and recovery plans.
Consider options specializing in cloud computing, managed IT services and security, and print/cop solutions for businesses, including remote and hybrid systems. You may also want to consider their years of using technology services to make your decision. Involving experts will help your business considerably fight cybercriminals in ways that you least expect.
