6 Basic Cybersecurity Tips For Small Businesses

April 28 2022

Authored by: Alex O'Keefe.US Team 3 Minute Read

 
About.us article

Cybersecurity may seem like a top priority reserved for big banks or tech companies. But even small shops, family businesses and solopreneurs need to focus on the protection of their computer systems and networks. 

Many small to medium-sized businesses mistakenly believe that their data is not valuable to hackers. As a result, they shrug off the concept of cybersecurity and never confront the possibility of a phishing or ransomware attack on their business. 

Unfortunately, such cyberattacks have become all too common. According to The US National Cyber Security Alliance, 28% of cyberattacks involve small businesses, and an estimated 60% of small companies go out of business within just six months of a cyberattack.

Here’s a simple cybersecurity plan to help keep your customer’s personal information and your business’ digital assets safe: 

1. Make cybersecurity a part of company culture. Train your employees to keep information safe. Educate employees on how to identify scams and to update passwords frequently. Hold all employees accountable and treat cybersecurity as a workplace issue, rather than just a leadership and IT consideration. 

Most importantly, emphasize the importance of safeguarding customers’ personal and financial information.

2. Business owners must understand the power of password management. In addition to setting strong, non-obvious passwords, have a secure app where you save all your business passwords and logins. Schedule routine password updates (at least every 2 to 3 months) and notify your team in a safe and secure way.

Sometimes, a standard single-step login is not enough. Companies like DUO and HID Global offer multi-factor authentication login systems to further protect your passwords. Requiring a two-step login will be worth it.

3. Win at Wifi safety. Set guidelines for using the Internet and sharing WiFi logins. If you have a WiFi network in your office, make sure it is secure, confidential and encrypted. Set up a wireless access point or router so it does not make the network name public. If necessary, set up a separate WiFi for customers and staff.

4. Invest in tech. A solid, up-to-date computer will not only help your business run smoothly, and ensure safety as well. Make sure your computers and laptops are running the latest software and that you install the latest updates as well. This step will help protect you from viruses and hacks. 

5. Invest in IT, even if you are on a tight small business budget. If the concept of cybersecurity still seems intimidating or overwhelming, consider hiring a local IT company to streamline your company’s tech security.

6. Stay accountable. When it comes to cybersecurity, a “set it and forget it” policy can be harmful to your business, so make sure you or an IT firm is routinely assessing your company’s vulnerability points. 

Conclusion:

Cyber criminals are unfortunately evolving and getting smarter. So it is up to you as the business owner to keep up with cybersecurity trends, with routine vulnerability assessments and employee training sessions. These simple measures can go a long way to safeguarding your business data. 

For starters, the Small Business Administration lists a few government tools you can use for your cybersecurity risk assessment:

  • Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Planning Tool: The FCC offers a cybersecurity planning tool to help you build a strategy based on your unique business needs.

  • Cyber Resilience Review: The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cyber Resilience Review is a non-technical assessment to evaluate operational resilience and cybersecurity practices.

  • Cyber Hygiene Vulnerability Scanning: DHS also offers free cyber hygiene vulnerability scanning for small businesses.

Feel Like Sharing?


Related Posts

About us article
How to Create a Campaign Landing Page that Converts Visitors and Drives Growth

September 04

Learn the art of crafting powerful landing pages that convert visitors into customers and drive business growth. Discover key strategies for designing focused, high-converting landing pages to boost your online ad campaigns and organic traffic.


website · +4 More
4 Minute Read
About us article
Crafting Your Online Identity: How to Choose the Perfect Domain Name

August 08

Discover expert advice for choosing a memorable domain name that reflects your brand identity, stands out online, and enhances SEO. Craft your digital presence with confidence


website · +6 More
4 Minute Read
About us article
Unlocking the Power of SEO: How Small Businesses Can Drive More Traffic to Their eCommerce Site

June 09

For ecommerce websites, search engine optimization (SEO) is like that well-placed billboard off an empty stretch of highway, advertising a juicy burger and ice-cold drink right when the driver is feeling the hungriest.


website · +6 More
5 Minute Read

How do I get my .US web address?

Its as easy as...

Search for Domain

Search for
a Domain

Search for your preferred .US web address. If yours is taken, we will suggest some alternatives.

Make your selection

Make your
Selection

Choose a retail partner. We have trusted partnerships with leading retailers to secure your .US domain.

Checkout at Retailer

Checkout
at Retailer

Once you have selected a retail partner you will be directed to their site to complete your transaction.


Get Started & Find Your .US Web Address Today

Are you ready to join
the .US Community?

Get Your .US

Are you ready to join
the .US Community?

Get Your .US

1.7M+

.US Domains
Registered

200+

Trusted Retail
Partners

50+

Useful Tips &
Marketing Tools

15+

Years of Launching
Ideas Online