As a small business owner, safeguarding your digital assets is not just good practice; it’s essential for the survival and growth of your venture. Small businesses have become prime targets for cybercriminals. These malicious actors recognise that smaller enterprises often lack the robust cyber security defences of their larger counterparts, making them vulnerable to various types of attacks. This article serves as your comprehensive guide to cyber security, helping you reinforce your defences against potential threats. 

 

What are some of the Cyber Security Threats to Small Businesses? 

Lack of expertise 

Developing your cyber security strategy requires specialist knowledge; small businesses often can’t afford the s to develop their cyber security strategy, leaving themselves open to threats.  

Weak Passwords 

Inadequate password practices, like using weak passwords or reusing passwords across multiple accounts, can lead to unauthorised access and data breaches. 

Lack of Employee Training 

Insufficient cyber security awareness and training among employees can lead to risky behaviours, such as clicking on malicious links or downloading infected attachments. 

Unpatched Software  

Failing to update and patch software regularly leaves small businesses vulnerable to known vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. 

 

How to Improve Your Cyber Security  

Password Policies 

By enforcing rules for strong passwords, regular changes, and other security practices, small businesses can reduce the risk of password-related cyberattacks, protect sensitive information, and demonstrate their commitment to data security to customers and partners. 

A strong password is at least 12 characters in length – ideally more – and contains a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. The more difficult it is to crack a password, the less likely a brute-force attack will be successful. 

You should also put in place a policy to change passwords at regular intervals (at least quarterly). As an additional measure, you should enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on employees’ devices and apps. 

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) 

MFA is a security measure that requires two or more proofs of identity to grant access to your accounts. It typically requires a combination of: 

• A traditional password/passphrase, PIN, or secret question. 
• A token provided through a smartcard, physical token, or authenticator app. 

• A biometric such as a fingerprint or retina pattern.

As a small business, you should implement MFA wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security. 

Cyber Awareness Communications 

Educate your employees about cyber security best practices to empower them with the knowledge and awareness needed to recognise and respond to cyber threats. This reduces the risk of successful cyberattacks, data breaches, and other security incidents. By investing in employee education and fostering a security-conscious culture, small businesses can considerably enhance their cybersecurity position.

Identity and Access Management (IAM) 

Before the rise of hybrid working, company resources could be kept behind a firewall. But now, employees need secure access whether they’re working on-site or remotely. This is where IAM comes into play.  

IAM is a valuable tool for small businesses to prevent cyberattacks because it offers comprehensive control over user access, strengthens authentication, and provides visibility into user activities. Sensitive data and functions can be restricted to only the people and things that need to work with them.  

 

Conclusion 

In today’s digital age, small businesses can’t afford to neglect cyber security. A proactive approach to protecting your digital assets can save your business from the devastating consequences of a cyberattack. By assessing your risks, educating your employees, investing in the right tools, and maintaining a vigilant stance, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability and ensure the long-term success of your small business in the face of an evolving cyber threat landscape. When it comes to cyber security, prevention is always better than cure. 

 

Improve Your Small Business’ Cybersecurity

The 848 Group is a Managed Service Provider (MSP) with a dedicated security practice and team of cyber security specialists. We design, deploy, and manage solutions that make security seamless for your business. Our services empower you to secure critical data, devices, and cloud infrastructure to help reduce risk, ensure compliance, and simplify security. 

Start with a free, no obligation cyber security assessment to uncover weaknesses and ensure maximum threat protection. Book yours by emailing us on [email protected] or calling 03449 848 848.