Running a business involves keeping up with a lot of details in order to properly protect your business.  Protecting all of the valuable data is a must in the cyber world in which we live.  Cyber-attacks have become a big problem in small to mid-sized companies, but the good news is that you can take the necessary steps to protect your business from cyber-attacks.

Did You Know That More Than Half of All Small to Mid-Sized Businesses Have Been Hacked?

Unfortunately this bit of information is TRUE!  Not only that, but of the businesses that were compromised, nearly 3/4 were not able to restore their information.  This is scary to know that every business is vulnerable to cyber- attacks, including YOURS!

Because of this, you need to be aware of cyber criminals and what they are capable of doing.  Below are some key facts for you as a business owner:

  • Small to mid-size companies are BIG TARGETS
  • Most cyber-attacks occur through your business email and browsers
  • Always keep a separate computer specified for business data (Ex: no social media or email)

Knowing this bit of information is the first step in protecting your business from cyber-attacks.

Being vulnerable is one thing; but being aware of ways to prevent a cyber-attack and knowing what to do if you experience it, is crucial to the protection of your business data.  The cost to your business, if hacked, could be financially devastating.

Tips That Every Business Owner Should Follow to Help Prevent a Cyber-Attack

  • Never use the same password and never save passwords on the computer.
  • Maintain a separate computer for valuable business data (Ex. No email or social media) and keep only needed data.
  • Avoid handling your own payment processing.  Allowing a reputable vendor to handle your credit card processing will provide the best protection.
  • Secure your browser, operating system, and router.  Always update these to benefit from the security improvements. 
  • Always have a STRONG password on your router and on your WI-FI connection.  Avoid using WI-FI networks outside of your business as that could allow easy access to a hacker.
  • Educate and implement.  Your employees need to receive information on a regular basis on how to protect valuable data and the confidentiality of it.  Most scams and attacks come through email, so educate your staff on recognizing suspicious emails.
  • Encrypt your data regularly.
  • Back up all of your data and store it off-site.  That way, if you become a victim of a cyber-attack, you will find comfort knowing all of your information is encrypted and stored.
  • Make sure your business owner’s insurance policy provides coverage for cyber-attacks.

By following the above security steps, you are implementing risk management to protect your company from the many costs your business could suffer should a cyber attack occur, such as legal, reputational, and financial. Your business is worth protecting!

For a quote on coverage for cyber-attacks, call TODAY at 866-869-3335.

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

comments