How Small Businesses Can Strengthen Their Cyber Defenses

It’s natural to wonder why a cybercriminal would want to attack my small business. Unfortunately, this happens all the time. 

Small businesses may be more appealing targets than larger ones because an attacker can risk the survival of a small business with a single attack.  

Cyber attacks on small and medium-sized firms have surged by 150%  in the last two years. A small business owner may be more inclined than a large business owner to pay a ransom to regain access to systems and data. 

Today’s post explains how small businesses may strengthen their cyber defenses. 

Cyber Attacks and Small Businesses  

Small businesses are prime targets for cybercriminals. They are vulnerable to attacks due to low resources, a lack of skilled security personnel, and inadequate IT support. They also store important data — client information, payment details, confidential business information, and so on — which can result in a huge return for cyber attackers. Business manages more than simply transactions; it also manages client trust, private data, and critical tools such as the website and CRM system. Protecting these is critical because this is where customer information is stored. Losing access to data may cause irreversible damage to the firm.  

So, it’s no surprise that over half of all cyber breaches, or 46%, occur in businesses with less than 1,000 employees. Small businesses must increase their cyber resilience to protect themselves. Strong cybersecurity measures do more than shield your business from attacks — they help you comply with regulations, which keeps your business running so you can grow and scale. 

Tips For Small Businesses To Strengthen Cyber Defenses 

Businesses require a cybersecurity strategy to secure their operations, customers, and data against emerging cyber threats. 

1. Train employees on security principles 

Establish basic security practices and regulations for employees, such as mandating secure passwords. Establish proper Internet use guidelines that include penalties for violating firm cybersecurity policy. Establish behavioral guidelines for handling and protecting client information and other critical data. 

1. Enable firewall security for your Internet connection 

A firewall is a collection of connected programs that prohibit unauthorized users from accessing data on a private network. Ensure that the operating system’s firewall is activated, or install free firewall software available online. Employees who work from home should have their home system(s) protected by a firewall. 

1. Secure your Wi-Fi networks 

Ensure your Wi-Fi network is secure, encrypted, and hidden. To hide your Wi-Fi network, configure your wireless access point or router so that it does not broadcast the network name, also known as the Service Set Identifier (SSID). The router requires a password to gain access. 

1. Password and authentication  

Require staff to use unique passwords and change them every three months. Consider using multi-factor authentication, which requires more information than a password to obtain access. Check with your vendors who handle sensitive data, particularly banking institutions, to see if they have multi-factor authentication for your accounts. 

1. Enable disk encryption on laptops 

Modern smartphones and Chromebooks encrypt their local storage. However, Windows and Mac laptops must be set up to encrypt their hard drives. Given how many computers are lost or stolen each year, your laptop fleet must be secure. 

1. Regularly update software and systems 

Cybercriminals use outdated software to get access to company systems. Regular upgrades assist in closing security gaps. Turn on automatic updates for operating systems, software, and apps. Regularly update web browsers and plugins (such as Adobe and Java).  

1. Phishing and social engineering attacks 

Phishing remains one of the most serious hazards to small businesses. Educating staff and implementing basic email security procedures can avoid costly intrusions. Employees should be trained to spot phishing emails (strange links, urgent requests from unknown senders). Set up spam filters to reduce scam emails. Verify payment or sensitive data requests using a secondary communication channel. 

1. Zero trust policy  

Unrestricted access to IT infrastructure leads to unnecessary attack pathways. Businesses should implement and adhere to Zero Trust principles. Zero Trust is based on the philosophy of “never trust, always verify,” which means that every access request, whether from within or outside the network, must be authenticated and allowed. This strategy rejects the traditional concept of a trusted network boundary in favor of securing individual resources and data. 

Conclusion 

Cyber attack prevention is vital for all businesses, regardless of size. Attackers focus on easy targets, such as weak passwords, obsolete software, unskilled workers, and misconfigured networks. 

Small businesses can significantly minimize their attack surface by using multi-factor authentication, automated patching, phishing protection, access controls, secure backups, and Zero Trust security. 

Arthur Lawrence’s cybersecurity experts work with you to improve your security program. Our cybersecurity services, which range from audit and assessment services to fractional CISO and vulnerability management, let you evaluate threats, risks, and compliance requirements and make informed decisions regarding best practices. So, reach out to us to strengthen your cyber defenses.