5 Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses

In today's interconnected world, cybersecurity is essential for protecting your business against evolving cyber threats. It’s not just large corporations that are targeted by hackers. Small businesses, often with lower levels of security on their networks and devices, are becoming prime targets for cyberattacks. 

Here are five cybersecurity tips to keep your small business safe:

1. Utilize a Firewall

Installing a firewall is a key step in building your cyber fortress. It serves as the initial line of defense, crucial for small business network security. While your operating system may come equipped with a basic software firewall, consider investing in more advanced versions for your business devices. Additionally, installing a hardware firewall can provide protection for all devices within your office network, including those without individual software firewalls.

2. Install Anti-Malware Software

Anti-malware software is a fundamental yet often overlooked aspect of cybersecurity. It's important to install anti-malware software on every business computer, including technology utilized by remote workers.  

3. Secure Mobile Devices

As a small business owner, you and your staff are on the move. Securing your mobile to access networks outside your office environment is vital. Utilize Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) when connecting to open WiFi networks in public spaces to safeguard your business data. Consider investing in dedicated mobile devices for office use only to prevent transferring vulnerable  business and personal data. Implement robust password practices, including multi-factor verification and the use of password managers for enhanced security.

4. Regular Updates and Backups

Regular updates and backups are essential yet often neglected aspects of maintaining business security. Ensure your operating system and antivirus software are promptly updated whenever new versions become available. Implement a regular data backup schedule, ideally at least once a week, or even daily for businesses dealing with critical data. Backup data to both cloud storage and external hard drives disconnected from the network to mitigate the impact of potential breaches.

5. Document Security Policies

Formulating comprehensive security policies is crucial for ensuring best practices across your business. Document security policies, encompassing device and network security protocols, breach response procedures and employee guidelines. Distribute the document to all employees and conduct regular meetings to review and address any queries or concerns. Periodically revisit and update your policies to align with the evolving cybersecurity landscape and your business needs.

Benefits Working With AnsrTech to Strengthen Your Cybersecurity 

Growth

When small businesses grow, they can get overwhelmed with navigating the evolving world of business technology. End users that have no technological experience end up being the in-house IT support, without the information and resources to keep their business data safe. 

As your business continues to grow, your technology needs to grow with you. Thus, requiring guidance from a professional IT company to implement  a solution that fits their requirements and sets them in the right direction. AnsrTech plans, designs and implements all elements of your cybersecurity needs, allowing you to focus on the growth of your business. 

Streamlined Processes 

Hackers are becoming more creative in how they are compromising user data and leveraging it for  ransom payments. The necessity to protect your digital assets and network is greater than ever.  

As an IT management provider,  we take a proactive approach to maintaining your business network rather than a reactive “break/fix” approach. Working with AnsrTech reduces downtime and significant breach costs.

AnsrTech keeps your information and data safe with proactive data backup and recovery solutions. Including 24/7 backup monitoring, alerting and reporting, data retention planning and data recovery. Using our secure monitoring and alerting tools, we work to proactively identify problems, and implement customized data solutions. 

If your small business needs cybersecurity resources and support, AnsrTech can help. Contact us for more information.

Whether you have in-house IT support or not, we are ready to integrate and inspire your team with in person and hands-on IT support and consultation.