The majority of small businesses are either unaware of cyberattacks or do not possess the resources to be able to fend off such attacks as large companies are. As a result of this, it is no coincidence that the number of cyberattacks surged massively during the pandemic, most of which targeted small businesses. However, all hope is not lost as there are a few cybersecurity tips that small firms can follow which can help ensure their safety from cyberattacks:
1. Don’t dismiss a hacker’s interest in your company
Oftentimes small companies get hacked because they believe that they do not possess enough information or resources for a hacker to bother infiltrating them. Due to this, they fail to take the necessary steps to establish a proper cybersecurity system. This could not be further from the truth.
Cybercriminals, in fact, target smaller companies much more as they know that by stealing their credentials, they can gain access to another company. They are aware of the fact that small companies can be easily breached and take full advantage of that. The smaller company is unable to save itself from this otherwise unforeseen situation.
2. Backup all of your data
The fastest-growing form of cyberattacks in recent years (a 6000% global increase since 2016, according to IBM) has been ransomware attacks. In ransomware attacks, hackers use a form of malware that stops companies from using their systems without paying a heavy ransom to the hackers. Companies continue to get locked out of their own systems, and with no backups to go on, their operations are halted, or in some cases, where companies cannot pay the ransom, dissolved.
3. Conduct tabletop exercises
An easy way for organizations to test the effectiveness of their cybersecurity network is by conducting tabletop exercises. These exercises simulate an actual cyber threat and help the business understand how prepared it is for an actual one. Think of it as a fire drill. Not only will this help companies be prepared for a cyberattack, but it will also show where weaknesses are present in their systems so they can resolve them.
4. Ensure a sufficient budget is utilized for cybersecurity
Though it may seem costly to put a significant amount of the company’s budget on cybersecurity, it is much more cost-effective than having to pay large ransoms when there is a cybersecurity breach.
If a company is likely to lose a large amount of money if their information is stolen, then they should invest accordingly to ensure that the worst-case scenario never comes to pass.
5. Scanning Tools are the way to go
Scanning tools comprise automated software that scans your networks, web servers, and applications and can identify how secure they are as well as their shortcomings. Using these tools will allow companies to know where they stand and fix any issues that could end up leading to disastrous consequences later on.
These steps may seem small, but they go a long way towards improving the cybersecurity of a company. Should you follow these tips, the chances of your firm being another victim of a hacker group decrease exponentially.
