Security Upgrades for Small Businesses to Consider
Worryingly, 43% of all cyber-attacks in 2023 targeted small businesses.
Nowadays, everything from data to money is stored digitally. Worryingly, 43% of all cyber-attacks in 2023 targeted small businesses. Even worse, only 14% were equipped to deal with them.
Here are some upgrades to consider to keep a small business secure:
How to upgrade security
Small businesses can upgrade security to protect them against cyber-attacks. Many involve a relatively small investment and are quick and simple to install.
Encrypt data
When encrypted data is stolen during a security breach, it is useless to hackers. Encrypted data is essentially worthless as it is unreadable. This is particularly good news for businesses that store their clients’ data. If there is a breach, the data won’t be accessible to the hostile party.
Back up data
It is wise to back up data to a secure server, cloud, or even removable storage device. If a breach occurs, there will always be another copy available. Furthermore, the business will have a copy to fall back on if data is hacked and deleted.
Ensure employees get proper training
Making sure employees receive adequate training is of paramount importance. Even the simplest measures can enhance a small business’s security. Employees should use strong passwords and never share them. Additionally, they should use separate passwords for different accounts and change them regularly.
When handling sensitive data, staff should only share it through secure platforms. They shouldn’t delete or alter sensitive documents unless they fully understand them. When emailing, attachments containing sensitive data need to be secured.
Ensure software is up-to-date
Out-of-date programs do not receive security updates and offer no defense against modern hackers. Simply enabling automatic updates on all software and devices ensures they are protected.
Disable RDP Ports
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) ports are considered the biggest cause of cyber-attacks amongst small businesses. Fortunately, removing them is a relatively straightforward process. Just check to see if any ports are open. If so, disable them. The best defense, though, is banning their use completely.
Make security a priority for small businesses
All small businesses should take cybersecurity seriously. Statistics show that attackers are as likely to prey on smaller targets as large corporations. Small businesses can significantly minimize the risks of a breach by taking simple, low-cost measures.
If in doubt about security protocols, small business owners can contact a professional firm for advice.
National Lock & Key is a licensed, insured, full-service commercial and residential locksmith serving Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. Contact us at (571) 449-6495.
