Understanding the Basics of Cyber Security for Small Businesses

Cyber attacks are a part of the many risks online business owners face. It is estimated that cybercriminals will steal 33 billion records by 2023.

Therefore, businesses of all sizes must understand and practice cybersecurity. Even knowing only the basics of how to protect your website and its data is an effective prevention of potential cyberattacks.

With that in mind, let us discuss the basics of cybersecurity along with best practices to implement for your business. 

Cyber Security Risks for Small Businesses

Before implementing the cybersecurity strategies, let us go through the common cybersecurity risks. After all, it is essential to understand what kind of potential attacks you will be defending against.

Common cyber threats for online businesses include:

• Malicious code. It falls under malware and is also called malicious software. Malicious code can attack your computer and access sensitive information by disguising itself as legitimate links sent via email.
• Unsecured wireless internet networks. Compared to a wired connection, wireless networks are more prone to cyberattacks. Hackers can easily access unsecured wireless networks to steal sensitive data, like login information or intellectual property.
• Security breaches. Breaches can happen through several scenarios, like carelessness or lack of knowledge. However, the most common cause is employees forgetting to sign out of their work or personal devices.
• Phishing attacks. This type of attack includes pretending to be a legitimate business and attempting to take users’ information, like phone numbers, addresses, or credit card numbers. Unfortunately, phishing attacks have become more sophisticated with the disguise, so it is important to look at them seriously.

7 Basic Protection Strategies Against Cyber Attacks

These seven basic protection strategies combined can improve your cybersecurity a lot. They’re relatively simple to implement and can make a massive difference in the security of your website.

1. Choose a Secure Hosting Provider

A secure hosting provider increases not only website quality but also its security. But, most importantly, it protects your system by issuing SSL certificates and stores all of your essential information.

Standard security features good hosting plans include are SSL certificates like Comodo PositiveSSL.
Advanced features include firewalls, DDoS prevention, malware detection, and user access management.

However, these features depend on the hosting provider you pick. So make sure to compare and choose one that includes everything your website needs. 

One example to consider is Hostinger, which offers hosting plans starting from $1.39 to $3.99/month. Its plans come with robust security features and other great benefits your website may need.

2. Update Your Software

Cybersecurity can be as simple as regularly updating your software. By constantly using the latest software version, you make sure all previously found security loopholes are patched up, and the software is safe.

This is because updates fix and remove bugs. They also include crucial patches to improve security and remove outdated features. In addition to security, by regularly updating your software, you also maintain the website quality.

Whenever possible, always enable automatic updates. Doing so will ensure that you’re always up to date. For plugins or software with manual updates, always check the developers for any software information.

3. Train Employees

Doing security training on your employees helps bring awareness of potential cyber threats and educates them of what they can do to prevent them. The training can include phishing basics, information security, and other cybersecurity measures your business may need.

The point of security training is for the employees to protect themselves and their workplace by taking the safest measures when browsing, logging in to apps, and sharing personal information.

The key to successful employee security training is the planning process. Some of the methods are:

• Research the latest cybersecurity threats and solutions before presenting them to the employees.
• Plan and schedule the training sessions to fit the employee’s preferences.
• Use the suitable tools and techniques for the training.
• Ensure all employees follow the training protocols when attacks happen.

4. Use Strong Passwords

Strong passwords are one of the most straightforward but most efficient cybersecurity efforts to make. They make it more complicated to hack into the company systems, improving the overall security of your business.

Strong passwords consist of different characters, symbols, and numbers. The longer your password is, the better it protects against hacking and brute force attacks.

Test your passwords and improve them if needed. Alternatively, use password generator to create strong combinations. Afterward, manage your passwords by using tools like LastPass or print them out for extra safekeeping.

5. Install Antivirus Software

Antivirus software works by detecting and expelling viruses from the computer and also prevents future attacks. Without antivirus, your system is unprotected, making it very vulnerable.

Research existing antivirus software and choose the one that suits your needs. Check the user reviews and create a free trial account if possible to understand the software better. If it meets your expectations, create an account and make the payment.

6. Back Up Files Regularly

Similar to software updates, regular file backups prevent data loss and secures your latest files. Additionally, you always have a copy of your files if a cyber attack happens.

Fortunately, most hosting providers offer automatic backup daily, weekly, or monthly so you can avoid the hassle of doing them manually.

However, if you prefer to backup manually, do it via the control panel from your hosting provider. WordPress users can also use plugins like UpdraftPlus and VaultPress.

7. Use Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a method where users must enter their credentials on at least two separate systems in order to log in. These extra credentials can be your phone number, fingerprints, voice recognition, or authentication code via SMS text message.

Naturally, MFA is stronger than two-factor authentication and can adapt to changing workplaces – at the office or home.

Enabling MFA depends on the devices and software or app you’re using. Therefore, check the MFA tutorials for each platform before the activation.

Conclusion

As cybercrimes rise, understanding basic cybersecurity becomes more crucial. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple and practicable basic security measures that you and your employees can take to protect your business.

This article covered seven essential cybersecurity tips, ranging from choosing the right hosting provider to enabling multi-factor authentication.

Implement these seven tips as soon as possible to secure your business and its data. Good luck!