Having size where it matters — cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the best way to protect your computer network and data from unauthorized access. With the advancement of technology, there is more risk involved in small business.

The internet allows businesses of all sizes to reach a larger customer base and work efficiently using computer-based tools. Whether you are just maintaining the website or adopting cloud computing, it’s important to include cybersecurity to avoid fraudulent activities and theft of digital information.

Cybersecurity is the practice of a technique that protects you from any kind of fraud and helps you minimise the risk of cyber attack.

Empower your small business with cybersecurity and protect your business, your customers, and their data from growing cybersecurity threats. To help you understand it better here we have listed some of the tips for small business to protect them from cybersecurity threats or cyber attacks.

Manage IoT devices for greater protection

Small businesses must know about the security threat posed by the Internet of Things (IoT) devices coming onto the corporate network. To secure IoT devices, small businesses must create a separate network, use the latest firmware, use a different password for every device, turn off the universal plug and play, track and access devices to secure sensitive data.

Do not allow people to take personal devices to work as there are a lot of potential security concerns for wearables.

Establish a cybersecurity culture

It is a must for small business to establish basic security as they are more prone to cyber threats. In fact, small businesses witness cyber attacks as frequently as any big organisation.

Since small businesses often lack cybersecurity infrastructure, it’s unsurprising that they become the direct target of a cyber attack. Hence, for any business small or big, it is mandatory to establish a cybersecurity culture. You can also establish internet use guidelines with strong passwords.

Secure the network

For any business, it is essential to secure the network and computer equipment. These involve high risks as the internet is an open door for hackers. Therefore, businesses must seal proper security protocols to avoid intrusion.

Also Read: Photographers, food loss, and mental health: Meet the winners of Startup Weekend Jakarta 2019

Use strong encryption when transmitting data between computers and other companies. Keep your network secure, encrypted, and hidden while protecting access to the router. Manage third party content while effectively validating the devices to ensure complete security.

Make use of security tools

Businesses require a multi-layered approach to avoid data breaches and fraud to immune to the problem. Small businesses can provide firewall security for the internet connection as a firewall is a set of related programs that prevent outsiders from accessing the data on a private network.

If you allow employees to work from home, make sure that their system is protected by the firewall. Get an automated tool to enable responses that can encounter threats instantly.

Use a single cloud security platform

By using a single cloud security platform you give your business a greater cyber security solution. Mitigate the risks, smaller companies with no IT support can adopt a single cloud security platform that controls user, devices and network in order to detect real-time threats.

Cyber attackers constantly target small business because of small business lack of security.

Keep all the devices updated with security patches

Small businesses often forget about keeping wireless routers and internet facing devices up to date for security patches. Unpatched routers may affect the overall business and give hackers to direct invite.

By keeping the devices up to date and providing the utmost security, you allow your people to trust and build a great reputation. If the devices you use don’t provide with a regular update, then its time to move to the one that does.

Things to know before adopting new tech

There are several technologies which can help business to save the sheer volume of data and increase growth potential. Most technologies help you mitigate the risk and allow you to deal with sensitive data.

There are some powerful technology systems like SIEM, UEBA and even security Orchestration platforms that are powerful and maintain value over time.

1. Ensure endpoint security
For any business, it’s essential to ensure data sensitivity. The endpoint can be smartphones, computers, laptop or point of sale system or any other device which can be connected to the network.

Endpoint security measures help secure small organisations from cyber attacks happening through malicious apps. With endpoint security, organisations must ensure the following things in order to provide with greater security.

  • Encryption of data
  • Segregation of Network
  • Control File Integrity
  • Monitor The Data Access
  • Prevent Data Loss

2. Centralise the security management portal
To manage everything in an organisation is beyond human potential, hence, centralised management security portal is a must. It handles thousands of devices, computers effortlessly.

Also Read: Grab wants to take Indonesia from Go-Jek with US$6.5b funding goal

All you need to do is to control and manage the integrity of the network. The centralised security management portal has many benefits like:

  • User-friendly Features
  • Available at Affordable Price
  • Fewer Security Issues
  • Instant Response
  • Suspicious Interference

3. Build awareness on security measures
It’s really crucial for any organisation to impose a security measure to control and maintain strategic distance. To avoid digital information theft, it’s really important how you educate your employees to secure the entire organization.

A small business must provide their employees with cybersecurity consulting services. It will help people understand the difference between authentic and malicious mail. It will help you prevent data loss and build customer trust towards your organisation.

The advancement of technology and the rise of digitisation has brought a lot of potentials for small business to grow with the right management in place. Test all the security solutions to ensure they cover what is needed by your business.

By implementing a modern, remote access solution you can monitor who has access to the company’s network and how they are using it. It helps you filter the information you wish to get.

—

Image by ygrek

e27 publishes relevant guest contributions from the community. Share your honest opinions and expert knowledge by submitting your content here.

The post Arming small businesses with big cyber defences appeared first on e27.