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Cyber Security – A Few Steps to Keep your Business Safe

Cyber Security – A Few Steps to Keep your Business Safe

Cyber security is critical for keeping your business safe. Most Small businesses believe that they are not a target and sometimes prioritize other IT projects over security, but a majority of small businesses are likely to be less secure and more vulnerable to cyber attacks. Last year 43% of cyber-attacks worldwide were against Small businesses.

What makes your small business attractive to hackers? It's your data that makes you attractive, not the size of your company. Having any or all of the following items: customer contact database, store credit card data, health data or valuable intellectual property, combined with the chance that your business is less protected than it should be, makes your small business a prime target.

Here are some of best practices you can use to protect your business against cyber attacks:

Effective Password Use

One of the most effective ways to help protect against a security breach is to ensure you are using your passwords effectively. Use strong passwords, don’t use your pet's name, your birthday or anniversary. Social media sites like Facebook have made it even easier for hackers to find out this information. Ensure you are changing your passwords on a regular basis. Don’t use the same password that you use to log into your computer for your bank login.  If the hacker cracks your PC password, they will also have your bank account password. Don't share your password with anyone and don't write it on that sticky note that is attached to your monitor or under your keyboard. When you are in a public place such as a coffee shop, be aware of your surroundings when you are entering your password.

Computer Security

Log off or lock your computer when you step away. Don’t rely on your screen saver's auto lock feature that is probably set to 10 to 15 minutes. It will take a skilled or even a semi-skilled hacker less than 10 seconds to gather enough information to further their attacks.

Ensure Software is updated

Hackers will find new vulnerabilities in your operating systems and applications daily. Common business software such as Adobe Reader and WebEx are prime targets. Ensure that your current operating system is still being supported. If a new vulnerability is identified it won't get patched or updated and leaves your system vulnerable.

Physical Security

Physical Security can be something that is easily overlooked. Letting someone walk off with your equipment can derail your cyber security efforts. Keep your servers secured behind a locked door or in a locked server rack. Ensure your mobile devices are secured and out of site.

Vital Security Technology

Protecting your business network requires a small investment in security technologies. Deploy a Business Class Firewall and antivirus software. These will help provide affordable protection to your business network. A firewall will block untrusted traffic from entering your network and an antivirus solution will help protect you against malicious software. Implement a VPN solution to remotely access your data over an encrypted connection. Back up your data, protect your business and save money from a ransom-ware virus or from a total catastrophic loss.

Don't forget to protect your mobile devices. Implement a policy that requires mobile phones to be unlocked with a pin or a password. Deploy a mobile device management solution that can remotely wipe the device if it is ever lost or stolen.

Beringer Technology Group is always here to provide expert knowledge in topics like these. Contact us today for any questions you may have.


theProfessor

theProfessor

Rob is the CTO of Beringer Technology Group, and focuses his efforts on software development, cloud engineering, team mentoring and strategic technical direction. Rob has worked with Beringer since 2005, and has influenced every department from Development, Security, Implementation, Support and Sales. Rob graduated with his MBA from Rowan University in 2012, earned his Bachelors of Computer Science in 1997, and is current with several Microsoft technical certifications. Rob is very active, and loves to mountain bike, weight train, cook and hike with his dog pack.