Starting a business is hard. If you have a well established business, its even harder to keep it running all the time. Have you done everything possible to stop criminals from undermining your hard work? Even the biggest enterprises can be attacked in different ways.
The sad reality is that everyone is a target, and so businesses of all sizes have to take appropriate action if they expect to secure their networks and data from attackers.
You can’t afford to take security for granted no matter the type of business you run. These are a few things your business can’t afford to ignore if you want to be safe and secure.
Take business software updates seriously
You are probably using lots of business applications to run your business. Software loopholes have cost businesses fortunes. Application developers know that. And they do everything they can to prevent intrusions. One way they do that is to release patches or updates to fix security flaws in the business applications they create.
It’s in your best interest to update your software when you receive update notifications. Don’t ignore them. If you can’t take care of updates, consult your application provider and find out how you can successfully update your software without causing harm to your business process.
Verify sources of updates to make sure they are not attacks. Popular attacks could act as Microsoft Windows or Office updates. Others may want to update your Flash plug-in and PDF Reader software. Make sure your updates are from the right providers before you act on them.
Control access to your offices and data locations
You should have security policies in place to control who can have access to your business information. Implement rigorous security policies where access to business data are granted only to those authorised to have a specific clearance and use of that information. Keep careful note of who has access to and possession of keys to your business premises. Integrating the right access system into your CCTV, Intruder and Fire Alarms can act as a building management system for your premises.
Businesses that reply on data to operate successfully use physical characteristics such as finger prints, eyes or facial features alongside or instead of a proximity cards. Biometric readers also offer a reliable and accurate means of identification. Adding such technology to restrict entrance into your server room and sensitive paperwork locations will help increase your security and also offer piece of mind to your staff.
Related: The Most Important Security Steps You Should Take for Your Business
Be careful of link baits
One of the popular ways cyber attackers can get access to your computers and files is through spear phishing. Spear phishing is an email that appears to be from an individual or business that you know. But it isn’t. It’s from criminal hackers who want access to sensitive customer information. These kinds of emails have a custom-tailored message (e-mail, tweet, etc.), such that the victim is more likely to take the bait.
The best thing you can do to protect your business is to educate your employees about these kinds of attacks. If you know how to differentiate between such link baits, attackers won’t be able to access your files through spear phishing.
Get the best security software
No matter how small your business is, there is no excuse for not using the best security software to protect your devices. It may seem so trivial, but antivirus and anti-malware software can protect your business from many of the common threats facing network security in any company.
Cloud storage is one of the best security options for small businesses.
Consider the cloud for some of your business processes and data storage. It’s easy, affordable and flexible. And you don’t have to manage the application yourself. You can concentrate on your business whilst the cloud app provider takes care of the rest for you. There’s no additional hardware or software to buy, replace or update. It’s also scalable to meet the needs of growing businesses.