In the final installment of our Cybersecurity Awareness Month blog series, we’ll discuss the five steps small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) like yours can take today to bolster cyber defenses.
Read our other Cybersecurity Awareness Month blogs:
- Top cybersecurity misconceptions debunked
- Common cybersecurity mistakes to avoid
- Understanding the CIA triad in data security
Implement firewalls
Leverage the built-in firewalls in modern operating systems such as Windows 11. Firewalls serve as digital gatekeepers, filtering incoming and outgoing network traffic to prevent unauthorized access and malicious attacks.
For enhanced security, deploy advanced firewalls with intrusion detection and prevention systems. These firewalls analyze network traffic for threats and allow you to create custom rules to block specific attacks or restrict access to authorized users.
If your employees work remotely, ensure they have firewalls set up on their home networks. Require employees to use virtual private networks to encrypt their internet traffic and protect your company data when it’s accessed outside of the office.
Conduct security awareness training for employees
Human error remains a primary cause of data breaches. To mitigate this risk, invest in comprehensive cybersecurity awareness training for your employees. Training will equip them with the knowledge and skills to prevent and effectively respond to security threats.
Prioritize these key areas in your training program:
- Strong password practices: Encourage employees to use long, unique passwords for each account and implement multifactor authentication for added protection.
- Recognizing phishing attempts: Train employees to identify and report suspicious emails, links, attachments, and other red flags that may indicate a phishing scam.
- Secure access protocols: Establish clear guidelines for who can access sensitive information, and make sure that access is immediately revoked when employees leave the company or change roles.
With ongoing training, employees are less likely to fall for common cyber scams, and if an incident occurs, they are more likely to respond quickly and effectively. Moreover, regular training fosters a culture of security awareness, where everyone actively contributes to protecting the business from cyberthreats.
Regularly update your software
Keeping your software up to date is one of the easiest yet most effective ways to secure your business against threats of all manner. Many cyberattacks exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software, so it’s crucial to install updates and patches as soon as they are available.
Consider the 2018 Equifax breach, which exposed the data of 147 million Americans. The company’s failure to patch a known vulnerability resulted in severe financial penalties and reputational damage.
To avoid a similar fate, ensure your business has a system in place for automatically installing updates or, at the very least, receiving prompt notifications when updates are available.
Physically secure your network
Cybersecurity isn’t just about digital defenses; physical security plays a critical role as well. Even the most advanced digital security measures can be undermined if an intruder gains physical access to your office and its network equipment.
To prevent unauthorized access, restrict entry to your workspace to your employees only. Implement keycard systems, biometric scanners, or other access control measures to ensure that only authorized individuals can enter sensitive areas. Moreover, installing video surveillance systems can help you monitor and track who enters and exits your office.
Partner with cybersecurity experts
For SMBs without or have limited dedicated IT staff, maintaining a strong security posture can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s best to outsource your cybersecurity needs to experts like SpectrumWise.
We specialize in comprehensive cybersecurity solutions for SMBs. From network protection and software updates to threat response, we handle all aspects of your security. Our team will develop a customized plan to address your specific vulnerabilities, ensuring your business remains protected. Schedule a consultation with us today to get started.
