7 Cybersecurity Rules for Small Business Owners
As a small business owner, you might assume cybercriminals would prefer to go after big companies with deeper pockets. But this isn’t always true. Many small businesses are viewed as easy targets because they often don’t have the same level of IT security as larger organizations.
That’s why cybersecurity for small businesses is so important. Small business data protection helps to prevent costly downtime and safeguards the trust you’ve worked hard to build with your customers.
Let’s take a look at some practical cybersecurity best practices for small businesses to reduce the risk of a security breach or cyberattack.
How to Protect Your Small Business
You don’t need complicated systems or a dedicated IT security team to protect your small business. Focusing on the basics can significantly improve your security.
Here are some simple things you can do to reduce risk and prevent common attacks:
1. Understand the most common threats
The first step is to understand where most threats come from. Email, in particular, is a common tool used by cybercriminals. A message may look like it came from a legitimate company, but it could contain a malicious link, a fake invoice, or an urgent request for payment or information. Clicking one of these links can automatically download malicious software that steals customer data or locks your system until a ransom is paid.
2. Verify who you’re doing business with
Many small businesses use contractors, vendors, cloud services, and professionals to support their operations. Some fraudsters impersonate legitimate businesses by building convincing websites or sending professional-looking emails to gain your trust. That’s why it’s important to verify that you are working with a real business and question unexpected requests for payments or information.
3. Lock down your accounts
Password-protect your electronic files, systems, and devices, including routers and cell phones, to prevent unauthorized access. It’s also important to use different passwords for different accounts, since reusing the same password increases your risk if one account is compromised.
A single breach can make it much easier for a hacker to access multiple systems. To reduce that risk, use strong passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols to make them harder to guess or crack.
4. Add an extra layer of protection
Don’t just rely on a single password. Instead, use multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible to make it harder for hackers to access your business data and systems, even if they steal a password. MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring another way to verify your identity, like a code sent to your mobile device.
MFA can also help you spot suspicious activity. If you receive verification codes you didn’t request, it could be a red flag that someone is trying to gain access to your system or account. Don’t approve the request. Instead, change your password immediately and review recent account activity for anything missing or out of place.
5. Train employees to spot trouble
Training your team to recognize common warning signs can strengthen your security controls. It’s an important part of your overall risk management strategy. Regular training doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. Setting clear guidelines and sending email reminders about what to do when something looks suspicious can be very effective.
6. Protect your data with regular backups
Be sure to regularly back up your business files and store the backups in a separate location from the originals. This gives you an important safety net if your business is affected by fraud, ransomware attacks, system failures, or physical damage like flooding or fire. It helps you recover and get back to work more quickly.
7. Limit access to sensitive data
Review who has access to sensitive information to ensure only those who need specific systems or data can use them. If an account is compromised, limiting access can help prevent the issue from spreading. As roles change or employees leave, be sure to remove unnecessary permissions to protect customer data, financial records, and other sensitive information.
Strengthening Your Business’s Network Security
A part of small business data protection that’s often overlooked is making sure you have a secure network. Many small business owners don’t consider their computer equipment in risk assessments because they assume security is built into the equipment they use.
Security standards change over time. New threats are constantly emerging, which means the security tools that worked just 1-2 years ago may no longer protect your business. Keeping your network secure requires ongoing attention, not a one-time setup.
Here are some simple things you can do to prevent security incidents:
- Install regular software updates: Make sure your operating system and antivirus software are regularly updated. This application security measure patches known vulnerabilities, reduces exposure to new threats, and helps protect your systems from malware, data breaches, and other common attacks.
- Secure your Wi-Fi network: An unsecured Wi-Fi network leaves your business vulnerable to unauthorized access. Make sure your network is protected with a strong, unique password so only approved users can connect.
- Have a separate guest network: Using a separate guest Wi-Fi network helps keep your business systems and data isolated from visitors’ devices.
- Keep routers/firewalls updated: Regularly installing firmware updates helps fix security issues, improve performance, and protect your business from new threats.
- Protect connected devices: Every device connected to your network can become a potential entry point for attackers. Protect your devices by keeping them updated, using strong passwords, and disconnecting devices you no longer use.
Review These Security Steps Regularly
Effective cybersecurity isn’t something you do once and then move on. It requires ongoing attention as your business, technology, and risks change.
Use the checklist below to help you review your security practices and identify areas that may need attention:
- Keep systems and software up to date
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Enable multi-factor authentication
- Train employees to recognize threats
- Verify vendors, contractors, and service providers
- Limit access to sensitive data
- Secure your Wi-Fi network
- Use a separate guest network for visitors and customers
- Keep computer and network equipment updated
- Back up critical business data regularly and store backups separately
At Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, cybersecurity is a top priority, and we’re committed to helping members protect their finances and personal information. Learn more about the safeguards we have in place and the steps we take every day to help keep your accounts and data secure.