Introduction 

Businesses operating online are well aware of the perils of theft and fraud. Online fraud is one of the most common crimes of the 21st century and for that reason, cybersecurity needs to be a focal point for every small business. Every business that uses the internet is at risk of online fraud and theft. 

In the past few years, cyber security for small businesses has increased in importance. Now, there is an impetus on ensuring security is tight before your business takes off. For that reason, we at Teckea have created this guide to help you understand more about cybersecurity, why online businesses need it, and the 5 key benefits of cybersecurity for small businesses. 

FAQs

Let’s look at some frequently asked questions that will better help you understand the importance of cybersecurity.  

How is cyber security used in business?

To put it simply, cybersecurity is categorized as procedures and techniques that will protect the business’ information, i.e. confidential data against threats online. Dealing with these threats and creating robust safeguards is the aim of cybersecurity for businesses.   

How can small businesses protect themselves from cyber-attacks?

By employing techniques and procedures that will safeguard important data, businesses can protect themselves from cyber-attacks. They can also employ cybersecurity services such as Teckea which are proficient in providing cybersecurity for small businesses. 

How do you write an effective cybersecurity plan for a small business?

While the intricacies of an effective cybersecurity plan are hard to cover in this thread, let us give you a small overview. 

1. Identify your assets and assess risk for your business 
2. Ensure that your network gets ample protection through firewalls and such
3. Place a shield around your business by forming an access protocol
4. Ensure that each employee is aware of the access protocol  
5. Constantly train and update your employees so that they are aware of the various threats

While it may be a small glimpse, these steps form the base for all cybersecurity plans. At Teckea we can explain it in greater detail and help your business formulate a robust plan. 

Do small businesses need cyber security?

Yes absolutely! No matter the size of the business a good cybersecurity plan means that you can withstand threats and attacks as you grow. Small businesses, more often than not, find it hard to recover from cyber-attacks. Hence, we place prominent importance on cyber security for small businesses. 

5 big benefits of cyber security for small businesses 

Now onto the 5 big benefits of cyber security for small businesses. 

Protect information and train all employees 

One of the priorities for any cyber security measure is to protect the information, in particular user data, passwords, and other sensitive information. There is a pertinent requirement for all the software your business uses to be up to date. The same goes for all your employees. 

Speaking of employees, it is important that each one of them gets the drill down on policies, best practices, and access protocols. Cyber security for small businesses stresses all personnel to actively be a part of the process.  

Provide a firewall for your networks and create mobile device action plans

One of the keys to good cyber security for small businesses starts with firewall protection. Your business’ private network should have a firewall. This helps prevent unnecessary breaches and ensures that your network is robust. 

Using password protection on their mobile devices, encrypting them, and using security apps are necessary for businesses. Small businesses especially, need to ensure that all employees understand these mobile device action plans. You should also set the same procedures for lost and stolen items so that the data does not become compromised.    

Make backups, control access, and create user accounts 

Regularly back up all company data. This will help ensure that in the case of any breaches or collapse in infrastructure, there is no compromise when recovering. You should ensure that the backups remain offsite or on the cloud. A good rule of thumb is to back up data every week. 

Access protocols need to be more stringent when it comes to cyber security for small businesses. Ensure that all business devices such as laptops are locked. Employees should have separate accounts and should be encouraged to use strong passwords. Businesses must ensure that admin privileges are given to select personnel. 

Secure your networks along with best practices implementation for payments 

One of the biggest reasons for cyber attacks is visible and poorly protected networks. A key to cyber security for small businesses is to ensure that your WiFi is hidden, encrypted, and secure. The way to hide it is through an SSID, it ensures that your WiFi name does not get broadcasted. You should also password-protect any sort of access to the router itself.   

For businesses, it is critical that they work closely with banks. Their accounts need to be secure and for that their accounts and company cards need to be using trusted and validated tools, along with ensuring that the newest guidelines in anti-fraud services are being implemented.  

Limit employee access along with monitoring passwords and authentication

Employee usage should be restricted. No single employee should have access to multiple data systems, unless pertinent. They should only have knowledge and passwords to the systems they use. They should also be restricted from installing any apps without prior authorization. 

When it comes to passwords, especially for cyber security for small businesses, it is a good measure to require employees to change passwords every three months. Also, consider implementing multi-factor authentication to help with restricting employee access.  

Conclusion 

These are just some of the many benefits that you will amass when you start using robust protocols for cyber security for small businesses. For more information and to gain better insights into how cyber security can be better applied to your business contact Teckea today.