In this fast-moving world of technology, it is easier than ever for your business to find solutions for many different problems in record time. But with cybercrime and data breaches on the rise, you may find that your business requires additional solutions to protect your important information. With the rising sophistication of hackers, it is easier than ever for thieves to access the important information kept on your business’s computer system.
Although these breaches can happen to a company of any size, smaller businesses are often disproportionately targeted. How does a small business protect itself from getting hacked and having information leaked? There are several ways that you a business can help keep private information and data safe from those who are trying to get ahold of it online. You do not have to be a computer whiz to take these steps either.
Protecting your business information can sound like a full-time job, but with the tips and strategies that are offered below, you will be able to provide data breach protection to each area of your business without having to hire someone to do the work for you. This will help protect your information and keep it out of the hands of hackers.
Have Clear Cybersecurity Policies in Place
Almost all businesses in the current market have some sort of cybersecurity policy in place to protect their private information. However, smaller-sized businesses do not always keep a detailed description of such a policy. Many businesses have informal policies that are established by word of mouth and are not always documented or implemented as they should be.
Having a clear set of rules for employees to follow and instructing them about what to do in the event of a data breach can help keep workers ready to act, and allow them to feel more prepared if they need to implement these policies. Many data breaches can happen very quickly, so the more prepared your business is, the better protected you will be and the faster you can thwart the attack.
Use a Firewall
Having a firewall installed for all networks, including remote employee systems, can provide an initial level of protection from cyberattacks. Not only should businesses include an external firewall, but they should also install internal ones to add another layer of protection from data breaches. This is a simple way to add multiple layers of protection that will not cost very much.
Increase Identification Protection
Accessing private information on a computer can be fairly easy if the only barrier is a simple user ID and password. Adding a multi-factor identification process can add extra protection against breaches. A multi-factor identification process uses a second form of identification upon login, such as a safety question that is specific to the employee or a cell phone code that is texted to their number, to verify the user identity.
Adding these extra layers of protection can ensure that even an advanced cybercriminal will not be able to get any information. This is also a fairly simple thing to do, so business owners who do not have a lot of technological experience will still be able to successfully implement this option.
Have Password Safety Instructions
Many employees have to make multiple passwords for different systems each year. Because of this, people tend to use something they can easily remember, which often makes for a weak password. While this is great for their own convenience, a weak password leaves the system wide open to data breaches. This is one of the biggest issues with data breach protection, but also easy to stop.
Having clear instructions about how to create a strong password that is difficult, like advising not to use family birthdays and pet names, can help employees make a better choice of password. You can also counsel employees about methods of privately storing passwords so they may access them in the event they do not remember them.
In addition, if you utilize multi-factor identification protections, the employee will still have another identification process to use. This will provide much more protection, with just a bit more effort.
Educate Your Employees
Because businesses that have a lower number of employees are far more likely to be a target of a cybersecurity attack, smaller businesses to be more vigilant against data breaches. However, the smaller number of employees gives you the advantage of being able to speak with all of them one-on-one to ensure that each of them understands why these policies and practices are in place and how important it is to follow them.
With employees who know why these tougher policies and procedures are being implemented, you will have a more educated team that can help one another out when there is a potential risk. This will provide data breach protection for all areas of your business and keep your important information safe.
Contact MFE For More Information
If you would like more information about how to protect your business from cybersecurity breaches, or to acquire cybersecurity insurance coverage for your business, contact the experienced professionals at MFE Insurance. MFE Insurance offers a wide variety of insurance policies to ensure that your business is covered in every conceivable situation, so that you can rest assured that you are protected and focus on running your business.