Essential Cybersecurity Advice for Small Businesses 

Cyber threats are not just an issue for large international companies and governments. Businesses of all sizes can fall victim to these malicious attacks, and ensuring the proper measures are in place to protect your business operations and customer information is vital. 

Risk will always be part of the business world. However, implementing effective risk management software and strategies in your daily operations can significantly mitigate the possibility of costly cyberattacks and improve overall business safety and success. 

What is a Cyber Threat?

A cyber threat is generally described as a malicious attempt to steal sensitive information and cause operational disruption. As the internet and general online usage continue to grow, awareness of cyberattacks and security grows alongside it, with more users showing increased concern about protecting their devices and personal data. 

Although cyberattacks are common, there is no guarantee that your business will be the target of one. However, the potential risk and fear of the unknown should be enough for any small business owner to take the necessary steps to keep their operations secure. 

Types of Cyber Threats

The ways in which cyber threats infiltrate businesses are constantly expanding. However, a collection of tried and tested methods continues to affect organizations of all shapes and sizes. 

Phishing

A phishing attack typically targets users through email, although other forms of communication can be used. Attackers disguise themselves as trusted contacts, colleagues, or sources to get their targets to reveal personal information and data like passwords and private banking details. 

For small businesses, phishing can have dire consequences. If an individual can gain access to even one company device, criminals can usually access the entire network of devices, leaving a company highly vulnerable to loss.

Malware

Malware is an umbrella term used to describe any form of malicious software used to perform criminal activity. Computer viruses are the most common form, but malware also includes malvertising, trojans, ransomware, and spyware. In many cases, businesses are unaware that malware has been installed on their devices or their entire network. 

Watering Holes

Watering hole attacks involve a cyber criminal targeting a specific group of individuals or businesses that all share similar interests and frequently visit the same kinds of websites. It is not a common form of cyber attack and is achieved by infecting a chosen website with malware. 

It then relies on social engineering and the belief that if individuals or small businesses in a group trust each other’s website recommendations, they will all visit it, unknowingly downloading the malware onto their devices simultaneously. 

Drive-By Downloads

Drive-by downloads occur when a user downloads unknown software to their computer without realizing it. While there are cases when this software is not malicious in nature, it is usually intended for criminal activity. 

This software can be used to spy on activity, such as keystroke data that captures passwords, infect the device by downloading further software that renders it useless, or hijack the device as a whole by exploiting gaps in security. These breaches often occur when operating systems have not been properly updated, or software patches are not installed. 

Security Strategies

Several strategies can be implemented within small businesses to strengthen their defense against cyber threats. 

Passwords & Authentification

Ensure that all employees use strong passwords on any device that contains sensitive information. These passwords should be at least 15 characters long and contain a mixture of upper- and lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers. Implement a policy requiring password changes every three or four months and use multi-factor authentication for added protection. 

Furthermore, Wi-Fi networks must be secured in as many ways as possible. There are two effective strategies worth taking when setting up a secure wireless network. First, change the router’s default name and password, but do not select a new name that will automatically give away the name of your business. Instead, choose something that employees can recognize but is unfamiliar to anyone outside the work team.

Secondly, encrypt your network using the strongest protocol available, Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 or WPA3. Ensure all devices connected to the network are secured using strong passwords and data encryption, and if necessary, change your Wi-Fi password once or twice a year.  

Employee Training

Employees who lack the proper training to identify cyberattacks successfully can leave your company highly vulnerable. Multiple scenarios can lead to employee-initiated attacks, whether done intentionally or by accident. These include opening fraudulent phishing emails, downloading malware onto work computers, disclosing login credentials, or deploying viruses onto a shared network. 

Mitigate these risks by investing in cybersecurity training, where your staff will be taught the importance of stringent security measures, how to spot fraudulent emails, and how to handle and protect both company and customer data and information. 

Software & Patch Update

Many people’s laptops, PCs, cellphones, and tablets automatically update with the latest software and security patches. This is particularly relevant to devices that use Windows and iOS operating systems. 

However, some software, like a Wi-Fi router’s firmware, requires manual updating to remain secure. These updates guarantee that the router is running the latest software and security patches to adequately fight any cyber threat. Without these updates, the router and all connected devices become susceptible to attacks. Therefore, businesses must ensure that all devices and related software are continually updated with the latest patches to remain properly protected. 

Antivirus

Select antivirus software that can protect your devices and network from all possible threats, including viruses, ransomware, spyware, and phishing scams. This software should not only provide the necessary protection but also contain additional features that help you clean up devices as needed and restore them to a pre-infected state. 

Antivirus programs must be updated regularly, and devices should be frequently scanned for any suspicious files and downloads that could pose a threat.