Cyber security is not only an important issue for large companies. Small and medium-sized companies should also recognize that IT security is becoming more relevant in an era of automated cyber attacks. Even small changes in cybersecurity practice can make all the difference. By adopting robust measures such as multi-factor authentication and keeping encryption keys separate from the data to be protected, small businesses can strengthen their defenses and ward off potential cyber threats.
Ultimately, even small and medium-sized companies can protect their business and customer data with the same level of security as larger organizations.
1. Making life harder for cybercriminals with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) : MFA should be rolled out for all business accounts and systems. MFA means that each user must use a dynamic password to log in. This makes it much more difficult for attackers to break into the accounts, even if they guess the password. MFA adds an extra layer of protection and strengthens overall security.
2. Keep Encryption Keys Separate : Encryption is a way to make the important data unreadable to those who don’t have the necessary decryption key. It’s important to keep the key separate from the encrypted data – otherwise it’s like having a safe with the combination written on the front. If the key falls into the wrong hands, it can unlock the data without permission. It’s important that organizations keep their encrypted data and encryption keys in separate locations so that they retain control of their own keys and, in turn, their sensitive data.
3. Bring in outside security experts : If organizations don’t have the skills or resources in-house to effectively manage cybersecurity, they should outsource these tasks to a trusted provider. Many cybersecurity tools are available in the cloud as subscription-based services. Outsourcing gives organizations access to specialized expertise, advanced security tools, and 24/7 monitoring, relieving the organization of the burden of maintaining its own cybersecurity team.
4. Inform employees about potential threats : People are usually the weakest link in the IT security strategy. Therefore, companies should ensure that employees are aware of potential threats, use the IT security software they use and report suspicious incidents as soon as they become aware of them.
5. Don’t forget the basics : Good cyber hygiene is essential to protecting against potential threats. Regular data backups and applying software patches are two important practices that organizations should prioritize. Backing up data ensures that a copy is available in the event of data loss or ransomware attack. Applying updates helps to fix vulnerabilities and protect against known security issues.
