What are your business’s current standards when it comes to internet safety? We live in a data-driven world, so protecting your company from cybercriminals is a must. Here’s how to ensure your business’s information is protected, and what to do if you fall victim to a data breach.
Crunching the numbers
It’s an unfortunate fact that as our culture has come to rely more heavily on technology, cybercrime has become increasingly sophisticated. Hiscox reports some alarming statistics, including 47 percent of small businesses experienced at least one cyber attack in the past year, generating an average loss of $34,604. Big businesses experienced an average loss of $1.05 million. If your business should happen to fall victim, it’s crucial to act fast so you can minimize the damage. Hiring a team of digital forensics specialists from companies like Secure Forensics can mean not only quickly putting a stop to the immediate trouble, but could also mean recovering the lost data, identifying the attackers, figuring out where they broke into your system, and deciding how to proceed so it never happens again.
Red flags and tripwires
Cybercriminals have a number of clever tactics for breaking into your system. Ransomware, phishing emails, viruses and such, are typically delivered in effectively deceptive ways, and they often target the human element of the equation. In other words, for most businesses, their primary vulnerability lies in their staff. It’s crucial to train your employees on common techniques used for social engineering attacks so they aren’t lulled into giving away vital data. Links that direct them to other websites, emails that request sensitive information, or strange attachments are potential windows into your business’s world.
Spell out security
Developing effective policies and explaining them clearly to your employees is in everyone’s best interests. As The Balance Small Business explains, an internet usage policy should provide clear boundaries for your staff, helping them fully understand the expectations for protecting company data. Discouraging the use of company equipment for personal internet accounts can help everyone steer clear of many dangers, and can also help boost productivity. You can use a template to assist you in developing your business’s internet usage policy.
Another area of weakness is password creation and maintenance. Many people opt for one or two passwords they recycle for all their accounts. While that can make it easy for them to remember the passwords, if your staff members elect to do this for personal and business accounts, your business can be all the more vulnerable. With that in mind, you can encourage your employees to choose more effective passwords. Some experts recommend a dozen characters or more for optimal results. The good news is, longer passwords are often as effective, or even more secure, than passwords comprised of impossible-to-remember character and number combinations. Your people can select a lengthy word or phrase and make it work, or consider adding a password manager to help protect your business all the more.
Talking things through
In every respect, it’s important to keep the lines of communication flowing with your employees. Not only should they be alert to potential cyber threats, they should be well aware of your policies. At the same time, they need to realize the importance of coming to you immediately if they see a problem. It’s all too easy to click the wrong link or accidentally open a deceptive email, so let your employees know they won’t be punished for honest mistakes. If there is a breach, Fast Company recommends an immediate response, informing your entire staff of whatever details you have. When it comes to cybercrime, knowledge is power, and time is definitely money. The sooner you can make everyone aware and start dealing with the issue, the better off your company will be.
While it’s impossible to become entirely immune to cybercrime, you can search for ways to improve your company’s defenses. Educate your employees, develop appropriate policies, and act quickly if there is trouble. By raising the bar on security, you can protect your business effectively.
Dean Burgess
