Technology is a great tool for small and mid-size businesses to utilize to streamline their processes. However, without security, these businesses could be at risk for a cyber attack through the same technology they use day in and day out. Here are five tips to start protecting your business, your customers and your data.
- You aren’t doing regular backups.
Regularly back up every computer your business uses. Back up all word-processing documents, spreadsheets, databases, financial files, human resource files, and accounts receivable/payable files. With most computers, you can set up an automatic backup. Try to set up backups to run at least weekly.
Some options for backups include external hard drives, network attached storage, and cloud storage. Compare the pros and cons when you’re deciding how to back up your information.
- You don’t know what you have on your computers/mobile devices that needs to be protected.
What do you have to protect? Client data and payment information, company financials, inside information. This is all data you do not want getting into the hands of your competitors, the general public, or hackers. Learn what you have to lose—and protect it.
If you outsource business functions—payroll or customer service—investigate each company's security and data privacy practices to make sure they are adequate.
Make sure you know the privacy protection laws and regulations for consumers and employees. These rules cover everything from collecting, using, sharing and storing a variety of information you may be dealing with on a daily basis.
- You aren’t running regular security audits with antivirus/antispyware software.
Antivirus and antispyware software is available online from companies like McAfee and Norton. Install these types of protection on each computer to keep viruses, spyware and malicious code out of your business. Once you have these installed, perform a monthly check for new updates.
- You aren’t running software updates.
Download and install all software updates when they are available. Programs like Microsoft Office, Firefox, and Adobe Reader have regular updates to fix security problems and improve performance to help keep your computers safe, and keep you working more efficiently. Run all software updates to fix security problems and keep your computers safe and working efficiently.
- Employees lack clear expectations and training.
Establish rules for your employees, and the penalties for violating these rules. Teach your employees what to post online, what is not okay to post online, and how to protect important company information from the public and competitors. Password-protect your computers and data, and ensure employees log off computers when they aren’t using them.
Offer continuing training and communicate the importance of following company policies on cyber security often. In addition to current employees, make sure new hires are aware of the policies and rules in place.
Once you’ve started taking steps to protect your company’s data, you will be better prepared against hackers and computer disasters. For more tools and resources to protect your small business, go to the U.S. Small Business Administration website or use the Federal Communications Commision’s Small Biz Cyber Planner to create your cyber security plan.
