This article has been packed up by Lindsey Weiss, who will tell us some suggestions to keep an eye on security.
Lindsey enjoys marketing and promoting one’s brand. She believes that to move your market, you must know your market. She loves writing articles on helping people build buzz around their brand and boosting their online presence.
For small business owners, fraud and data breaches are a nightmare. Not only can those issues bring work to a standstill, but it can also mean lost consumer confidence and even the closure of a business. It’s crucial to guard against threats, and if you should fall victim to one, expediting your response is the best chance for a sound recovery.
Are You in Their Bullseye?
Big businesses often make the news when they become victims of cybercrime. However, it’s important for small business owners to recognize their own vulnerability. Gone are the days when it was safe to fly under the radar of cyber scoundrels; in fact, they are catching the eyes of criminals more than ever. Some statistics indicate small businesses are being attacked more each year, with average losses ranging from $84,000 to $148,000. Most of those companies go under within six months of being attacked, and according to studies cited by IBM, for each stolen record, you can expect a loss of nearly $150.
Take a Careful Inventory
When it comes to evaluating your company’s vulnerability, the easiest place to start is with a careful look at your hardware and software. Making solid choices means you have a wall of defense in every direction. Start with a thorough evaluation using a checklist. Data should be backed up to a remote location routinely, and all computers and devices should have antivirus software installed. If you aren’t using a firewall, that is another a must-have.
Examine Your Equipment
Research whether the electronics you’re using are known for being secure, and if not, invest in better equipment. For instance, shimming is an unfortunate but growing trend that threatens many small businesses. Data protection ultimately protects your customer base since a breach means lost confidence on the part of consumers. Consider investing in a more secure payment system with features such as safeguards against fraud and real-time data security.
Where Is Your Data?
If you haven’t already done so, now is a perfect time to start using the cloud. It protects your data by saving it offsite while also freeing up some of your overhead, thereby reducing the amount of time and money your company has to spend updating software and saving files to external drives. It also means your business can operate more freely. Instead of being tethered to the office, you and your staff can do more work on the fly. Better flexibility can mean increased productivity and a better bottom line. Think through what your particulars are, such as how many devices your business requires and how much storage you need, and check reviews to find the right cloud storage option for your situation.
Add Encryption
If your company handles sensitive data, encryption is another must-have in your line of defense. Basically, encryption uses a cipher to turn your clean data into gobbledygook, keeping would-be criminals at bay. As Business News Daily points out, the law requires encryption if you handle sensitive data such as health records, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers, but even if you don’t handle that kind of information, it’s a worthwhile layer of protection against to help cybercrime. In fact, some operating systems have built-in encryption options, and there are plenty of encryption software packages available.
Other Negative Influences
Once you shore up your hardware and software defenses, it’s time to examine the human element. As part of the equation where you have the least control, staying abreast of the people handling your data can be especially challenging for small business owners. Disgruntled or dishonest employees can worm their way into your confidence and your systems, leaving you vulnerable to fraud. With that in mind, make sure you’re hiring people based on their talents and integrity, and mesh your quality staff with top-notch bookkeeping software so you can keep your finger on the pulse of your accounts.
A strong defense is your key to protecting your business against fraud and data breaches, so ensure your systems are well-protected with carefully thought out choices. When a cybercriminal has your company in his sights, you’ll be ready.