12 Essential Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses

We bloody love small businesses. The photographers, the web designers and my personal fave of the day - Lady Forge, an artist who creates beautiful rings out of spoons.

As we recently discussed however, small businesses are increasingly at risk of cyber attacks. With limited resources and often less robust security measures, small businesses can be seen as low-hanging fruit for hackers, wide eyed at access to customer data, social platforms, financial records and more.

But should you be a fellow business owner have no fear, by implementing some essential cybersecurity practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim.

Here are 12 crucial tips to help protect your small business:

1. Educate Your Employees (& Yourself!)

You, and those with access to your business are your first line of defense against cyber threats. The bad news is that cyber incidents are overwhelmingly down to human error, the good news is that you can reduce this risk pretty easily. Regular training sessions on cybersecurity best practices can go a long way in preventing breaches.

• Conduct quarterly cybersecurity awareness training

• Teach employees to identify phishing emails and other social engineering tactics by sharing convincing examples

• Encourage a positive culture of security awareness in the workplace

2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Weak passwords are one of the easiest ways for hackers to gain unauthorized access to your systems.

• Implement a strong password policy (e.g., minimum length, complexity requirements)

• Encourage the use of password managers to generate and store complex passwords

• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible

3. Keep Software and Systems Updated

Outdated software can contain vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. Regular updates help patch these security holes.

• Set up automatic updates for all software and operating systems

• Regularly check for and install firmware updates on network devices

• Consider using a patch management system for larger networks

4. Implement Robust Firewalls and Antivirus Software

These tools are your basic defense against malware and unauthorized access attempts.

• Install and maintain firewalls on all network entry points. That’s any device that allows wireless devices to connect to a network

• Use reputable antivirus software and keep it updated

• Consider using endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions for enhanced protection

5. Backup Your Data Regularly

In case of a ransomware attack or data loss, regular backups can be a lifesaver.

• Implement an automated backup system

• Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: 3 copies, 2 different media types, 1 off-site

• Regularly test your backups to ensure they can be restored

6. Secure Your Wi-Fi Networks

Unsecured Wi-Fi networks can be an easy entry point for cybercriminals.

• Use WPA3 encryption for your Wi-Fi networks

• Consider using a VPN to enhance your privacy

• Use a separate guest network for visitors

7. Implement Access Controls

Not every employee needs access to all data. Limiting access can help contain potential breaches.

• Use the principle of ‘least privilege; when assigning access rights. This limits a user's access to only what they need to do their job

• Regularly review and update access permissions

• Implement strong user authentication measures, that means passwords, multi-factor authentication and more

8. Develop an Incident Response Plan

Being prepared for a cyber incident can significantly reduce its impact.

• Create a detailed plan outlining steps to take in case of a cyber attack

• Assign roles and responsibilities to team members and have the number of a reputable cybersecurity firm experienced in incident response on hand

• Regularly practice and update your incident response plan

9. Use Encryption

Encryption can protect your data even if it falls into the wrong hands.

• Encrypt sensitive data at rest and in transit

• Use VPNs for remote access to your network

• Implement email encryption for sensitive communications

10. Monitor Your Network

Regular monitoring can help you detect and respond to threats quickly.

• Implement a network monitoring solution

• Regularly review logs for suspicious activity

• Consider using a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system

11. Be Cautious with Third-Party Vendors

Your security is only as strong as your weakest link, which could be a third-party vendor.

• Conduct security assessments of your vendors

• Ensure vendors follow your security policies

• Limit vendor access to only what's necessary

12. Stay Informed About Current Threats

The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving. Staying informed can help you stay ahead of new threats.

• Subscribe to newsletters relevant to your business that you’ll actually read. Or, follow relevant industry people on your socials.

• Join industry-specific cybersecurity groups

• Consider hiring a cybersecurity consultant for periodic assessments
  

While these 12 tips provide a solid foundation for small business cybersecurity, it's important to remember that cybersecurity is an ongoing process. Regularly reviewing and updating your security measures is crucial to staying protected in the face of evolving cyber threats. Investing in cybersecurity is not just about preventing attacks; it's about protecting your business's reputation, customer trust, and ultimately, your bottom line.