• Encourage employees to invest in cybersecurity training to protect against external threats and increase employee productivity.
• Suggest updating outdated software to avoid costly data breaches and license fees associated with older versions.
• Advise small business owners to implement multi-factor authentication for extra security beyond just passwords alone.
• Consider partnering with a payment processing company to further protect against fraud and provide tools to detect suspicious activity.
• Encourage small businesses to have protocols for data backups so they can recover quickly if a breach does occur.
Small businesses are the backbone of most communities. They provide jobs and generate revenue, and they help keep the local economy strong. Unfortunately, small businesses can become vulnerable to hackers, thieves, and other malicious actors who are looking to take advantage of their lack of security measures. So how can you help? Here are a few tips on how to assist local small businesses in improving their security measures:
Encourage cybersecurity training for employees
The majority of cyber-attacks are caused by employees who simply don’t know any better. Encouraging small business owners to invest in cybersecurity training for their staff is an essential step toward keeping their systems secure. Investing in cybersecurity training will not only protect the business from external threats but also increase employee productivity and morale.
Suggest updating outdated software
Outdated software can be one of the most significant security weaknesses for small businesses because outdated programs contain vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. By suggesting that small business owners update their software regularly, you’re helping them stay ahead of potential threats and potentially avoid costly data breaches down the line. Additionally, this could possibly help them save money in the long run as well by preventing license fees associated with older versions of software programs or operating systems. It’s also important to know that software updates may also be necessary to stay compliant with specific industry regulations.
Advise using multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that requires users to provide two or more pieces of evidence before they can access a system or data. MFA helps protect against unauthorized access by adding an extra layer of security beyond just passwords alone. Advising small business owners on MFA will help them protect their valuable data and keep malicious actors out of their systems. Additionally, MFA can help small businesses comply with GDPR and other data protection regulations. This is becoming increasingly important as more governments enforce data protection regulations.
Consider the help of a payment processing company
A credit card payment processing company can help make transactions more secure and protect small businesses like retail stores and restaurants from potential fraud. It’s important to research different payment processing companies to ensure they offer their customers the best features and security protocols. Additionally, some of these companies may even be able to provide additional security measures such as tokenization or end-to-end encryption. They can also provide small businesses with the tools they need to quickly detect and respond to suspicious activity.
Have protocols for data backups
Data breaches can be catastrophic for small businesses. Unfortunately, they’re becoming more common. That’s why it’s crucial to have protocols that ensure data is backed up regularly so that a business can recover quickly if an attack occurs. A small business’s data backup protocols should include the following:
Storing data offsite
This ensures that all data is stored securely away from the physical location of the company. This also helps protect data in the event of a natural disaster or other physical destruction.
Encrypting data
Encryption helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data, making it virtually impossible for malicious actors to view or use the information.
Making regular backups
Regular backups ensure that businesses have up-to-date copies of their data so they can quickly restore their systems if a breach does occur.
Using online backup services
Online backup services provide an additional layer of security by storing data in the cloud, which means it’s not vulnerable to theft or physical damage.
By having clear and solid protocols for backing up data, small businesses can protect themselves from the devastating effects of data breaches.
Small businesses are the lifeblood of many communities, and it’s essential to help them stay secure from potential cyber-attacks. Encouraging cybersecurity training for employees, suggesting updating outdated software, advising on using multi-factor authentication, considering the help of a payment processing company, and having protocols for data backups can all help keep small business systems safe.
By following these tips, you can ensure that local small businesses remain protected against malicious threats while continuing to thrive economically. With your assistance, they will have peace of mind knowing their valuable data is secured.
