Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses

One of the biggest issues small businesses face today is cybersecurity. In 2013, thirty percent of cyber-attacks were aimed at businesses with less than 250 employees¹. Small businesses have become bigger targets to cybercriminals because they tend to lack the security resources of larger businesses or corporations.

Below are five tips on how to help your business protect itself from cyberattacks:

Use Smart Passwords: weak passwords are one of the easiest ways for cybercriminals to attack a business and steal information. Longer passwords that use upper and lowercase letters, along with numbers and symbols make it harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your systems. Also, think about adding layers of authentication that require additional information to access a system.
Be Proactive About Updates: make sure to install key updates to your security software, web browser and operating system as soon as they are available. Also, upgrade to newer versions when possible. This is the best defense against viruses and malware. In addition, make sure to schedule security scans after each update.
Use Firewalls: firewalls prevent unauthorized access to your networks and computers. They can also hide your computer’s presence from other systems, and track both network traffic and activity.
Train and Educate Employees Continuously About Online Security: employees are an important part of your business’ goals, including helping to protect against cyberattacks. Set cyber-security guidelines and procedures and reinforce them consistently. Also, educate employees about safe uses of various online tools and mediums such as mobile or tablets and social media websites.
Back-up Your Information: Always back-up important information. Having duplicate copies of your most important documents saved at a remote location keeps them safe in case of cyber-attacks as well as computer crashes, physical damage and theft.

By following the above tips, you will help protect your business and minimize your security risk.

http://www.symantec.com/content/en/us/enterprise/other_resources/b-istr_main_report_v19_21291018.en-us.pdf

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