In an increasingly digital world, small businesses have more resources than ever before to reach new and larger markets. However, as digital capabilities continue to grow, it is crucial to create and improve cybersecurity practices to protect your business from cyber threats.

Cyberattacks are not limited to large corporations and governments—small businesses can be just as vulnerable. According to Accenture’s Cost of Cybercrime Study, small businesses are the target of approximately 43% of cyberattacks.

To help secure your business from cybercriminals, it is essential to implement strong security procedures, including but not limited to, the following practices:

• Train your employees: Your employees are the first line of defense against cybercriminals. Without an awareness or understanding of common cyber threats, your business is at a greater risk of compromise. According to Verizon’s 2022 Data Breach Investigations Report, the human element was the root cause of 82% of data breaches that year. Reduce your business’s vulnerability by educating employees about common email scams (e.g. phishing), best practices on the Internet (e.g. avoiding suspicious downloads and sites), and how to protect customer information (e.g. only retaining necessary customer data).
• Keep devices and software updated: Regularly updating devices with the latest software and operating systems is crucial for defense against online threats. Utilize antivirus software to detect any viruses or malware that may have infected your system. Configure all software to update automatically to ensure the highest performance and that no important updates or security patches are missed. Additionally, delaying installation of updates may cause your devices to run slower. Boost your efficiency and safety by making this small change in device and system settings.
• Secure your network: Protect your Internet connection with a firewall to prevent outsiders from accessing company information and infiltrating your private network. Take an extra step in security by disabling the broadcasting of your network name on your router, making it harder for criminals to access it. Additionally, ensure that your Wi-Fi network is secured with a strong password. Strong passwords should be around 15 characters long and include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Do not underestimate the value in taking these steps to protect your business from cyberattacks. Not only could your business experience financial damage, but your company’s reputation may also be at stake if you fall victim to such attacks. Taking the time to stop cybercriminals from easily accessing your data now could save you both time and money in the future.