Running any kind of small business means dealing with sensitive information, from customer orders and details to financial data. The unfortunate reality is, cybercriminals target businesses of all sizes, and small businesses are often an easier target.
Protecting your company online doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a little attention and effort. Here are some practical steps you can take to keep your business secure.
Start with the basics
Before you invest in fancy security tools, make sure you’ve got the fundamentals in place. Start with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA), and regular software updates for all your devices and systems.
Passwords should be more than just “12345” – use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols to make them tougher to crack. You can also use a password manager to securely store them, so you don’t have to remember everything.
Software updates might seem annoying, but they’re critical. Developers release updates to fix security gaps, and delaying them can leave your business exposed to hackers.
Train your team
Your employees are one of the first lines of defense against cyber threats. It’s not enough to have strong security systems in place if your team doesn’t understand how to use them.
Educate your employees on the risks they face, especially phishing. Phishing scams are still one of the most common ways hackers gain access to systems. Train your staff to recognize suspicious emails and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. A single misstep could put your whole business at risk.
Regular training isn’t a one-and-done thing; keep the conversation going. The more your team knows about the latest threats and best practices, the more they can protect your business from an attack.
Know the data privacy rules
If your business collects, stores, or processes personal information, you need to be aware of data privacy laws. Regulations vary by state in the U.S., so find which ones apply to you.
Understanding these laws helps you avoid costly fines and also builds trust with your customers, who want to know their data is being handled responsibly.
Take the time to understand what data you collect, how you use it, and how you store it. Make sure you have a clear privacy policy in place, and if you’re not sure whether you’re complying with all the rules, it’s worth consulting a legal expert. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Use a business VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) is a valuable tool to keep your business data secure in specific scenarios.
A small business VPN encrypts your internet connection, so hackers can’t intercept sensitive information like customer credit card numbers or login details. This is especially important if you have employees working remotely or if you connect to public Wi-Fi networks, which are prime targets for hackers.
A VPN works by routing your internet connection through a secure server, hiding your IP address and protecting your data from prying eyes. It’s a small investment with a big return when it comes to online safety.
Cybersecurity might sound daunting, but with the right tools and mindset, you can protect your business without getting lost in the details. Stay proactive. Reacting to threats as they emerge isn’t enough.