Cybersecurity is a skyrocketing issue for businesses of all sizes, but especially for smaller and medium-sized companies who may not have the extensive resources required to keep attackers at bay. For this reason, you need to prepare the necessary cybersecurity strategies for your business. According to a recent Forbes article, cybercriminals can access an estimated 93% of company networks. Furthermore, 43% of recent cyberattacks were also aimed at small businesses over the past year, a remarkable jump from just a couple of years ago. However, only 14% of these small businesses are prepared to defend themselves.
It’s difficult for small businesses to keep up with these attacks. Cybercriminals are finding many ways to invade your company’s network. Cyberattacks are becoming more advanced as more and more companies depend on internet access and reliability to conduct business.
Secure Your Business from Cybercriminals
The good news is that there are steps that smaller companies can take to protect their valuable data and their ability to function. Proper security is possible without recruiting a team of IT specialists that could easily break the budget of a small business.
The best thing that small and medium-sized companies can do is to partner with an experienced company that knows the intricacies of cybersecurity inside and out. At Emeritus, we have solutions that address a world of IT concerns and issues, like modernizing devices, boosting businesses, increasing safety, and avoiding cybersecurity attacks of all varieties.
In the meantime, there are a few key strategies that small companies can employ that will boost their protection across many of these attack attempts. If you are concerned about keeping your data and company safe, start by implementing the following strategies to add an extra layer of protection to your business. Let’s examine the methods you can apply to safeguard your business.
Upgrade Your Technological Tools
One of the best ways you can protect your data is to ensure that all of the technological tools that you use on a daily basis are updated and upgraded to their more recent versions. The programmers and developers behind these tools are always on guard for new threats. Therefore, when a threat is identified, they issue a patch – or update – to protect their users against it. The key, however, is that you’ll need to download, update, and/or reinstall these tools to ensure you have the latest security measures in place.
Backup Software Data
Companies need to be aware that ransomware attacks are on the rise. A ransomware attack is when a type of malicious software is installed on your computer or network, blocking your company’s access to your data until a sum of money – or “ransom” – is paid to the attacker. If this occurs, the best way to protect yourself is to have multiple backups of your business’ data stored securely, so that you’ll always have a Plan B on hand. Also, having the right IT partner can help prevent and recover from any ransomware attacks. Emeritus can identify and restore any data loss caused by a ransomware attack.
Invest in VPNs and/or Firewalls
Virtual private networks (VPNs) and firewalls can add an extra layer of security in corresponding ways. A VPN hides your IP address by routing your network connection through a remote server. This shields your company from attempts to obtain your data or location. As a matter of fact, these are the two most valuable pieces of information that can pave the way for all manner of cyberattacks. Meanwhile, a firewall monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and stops malicious or unauthorized users from accessing your computer when connected to the internet. While these defenses can’t protect against all attacks, they are a strong step in bolstering your company’s security.
Network Security and Passwords
There are multiple strategies for enhancing your network security or preventing unauthorized use of your computer network. The first of the simplest methods is restricting access to your Wi-Fi network with a strong password. Do not use the same password for multiple devices, and make sure the password is a mixture of letters, numbers, and characters. A strong password should be impossible to guess, even if attackers have access to other personal information, like your social media accounts.
Provide Employees the Right Training
Some of the biggest, costliest, and most devastating cyberattacks in history started because a hacker could access to just one or two employees’ computers and information. As such, it’s important to train and prepare everyone on your team for cyberattacks on all their devices. Vulnerable devices include their personal cell phones and tablets to laptops or desktops they use daily at the office.
Attackers are becoming more ingenious in these types of attacks, as well. They can target an employee by using a few key pieces of personal or company information. Furthermore, they can pretend to be an IT support representative that is connected with your company. Cybercriminals can easily gain access over the phone, via email, or other direct means.
For these reasons, take the time to train your employees on what to look for when it comes to phishing and other attacks. Ensure that all members of your company have strong passwords and are observant of emails, phone calls, and other communications that might seem legitimate on the surface but could have malicious intents.
Establish the Best Cybersecurity with Emertius
If you do not have a department or team within your small business that is dedicated to cybersecurity, then it is time to find a cost-effective but experienced partner. Smaller companies rarely have the time, money, or resources to employ top-notch security measures to protect their business. As a result, that is why they are such attractive targets to start cyberattacks.
However, if you team up with an experienced technology solutions provider like Emeritus, you can take a big leap toward ensuring your data is safe. Therefore, your business operations can proceed without any costly interruptions.
A cyberattack can result in untold costs, hours if not days of lost productivity, and a loss of trust by your clients and customers. In brief, ensure that every aspect of your business has the highest level of protection with the modern and ever-advancing solutions provided by Emeritus. We have years of experience in finding and identifying solutions that will protect your business from threats of cyberattacks both now and in the future.
Establish the best cybersecurity for your company with Emeritus.
