There are two basic defenses you should have in place to defend against cyber attacks. One is technological and the other is human. Together, the two can go a long way to protecting the integrity and security of your data.
Antivirus software and network protection – One of the major risks businesses face are the potential threats and damage to their brand reputation. If a business experiences some form of data breach, where your clients perceive their data has been compromised, your brand takes a hard hit for it. Your reputation is instantly damaged. More importantly, you are likely liable for the financial consequences of a data breach. Make sure that your systems are protected by the latest antivirus software and that it is consistently being updated. New viruses appear every day, so outdated antivirus software is less likely to protect you.
Employee training – One of the tools for risk managers is risk avoidance. Avoid getting into trouble in the first place. Training employees about their responsibility for data security is critical. One of the primary ways that hackers and thieves gain access to corporate data is through employee error. Every employee should be trained on proper password behavior. Simple guidelines about changing passwords frequently and never sharing passwords are basic but important first steps. Additionally, employees need to be trained to identify fake websites and phishing scams. Opening emails with bad attachments and links is a principal source for entry into company accounts and databases. Our team would be happy to provide a 90-minute presentation with tips and guidance on training your employees about data security. What do you have to lose, anyways?
In summary, small businesses need to be aware of the risks that exist out there and make plans so they are not caught flat-footed when disaster strikes. It is especially important for smaller firms to be aware of this because they are the least likely to have the deeper pockets to be able to rebound after a catastrophic event hits their business. A managed service provider is an excellent resource for developing a risk management plan for your IT infrastructure. Reach out to us today for more information!