There is a common myth that cyber-attacks only aim to attack the more prominent companies. However, that is not the case. According to a survey by Verizon, more than 50% of cyber-attacks are designed for SMEs. Therefore, it is high time to let go of the notion that just because a company is small or medium in size, it will not be targeted by cyber attackers. In fact, SMEs should now go beyond installing basic anti-virus software. There is an urgent need for SMEs to take care of their cybersecurity needs. Here are a few ways through which SMEs can meet their cybersecurity needs.
Two-Factor Authentication
Perhaps, the easiest way to ensure cybersecurity in any business is by promoting two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication comes in handy during keylogging attacks. Even though it is generally recommended to keep a strong password, the most robust password fails during the keylogging attack. It is because, in a keylogging attack, the keystroke is considered to guess the password. The two-factor authentication feature helps mitigate the risk when a strong password fails.
Training The Employees
Keeping all the precautionary cybersecurity measures at the executive level is not beneficial. To ensure that the entire business is safe from cyberattacks, it is essential to train all the company employees in at least basic cybersecurity practices. A few examples of basic cybersecurity training include training people about creating a strong password, using What Is My IP to find the IP address of a device if someone is using a public Wi-Fi to get any work done, identifying a phishing email and taking care of physical devices too.
Keep Everything Updated
Another easy way of gearing a business against a cyberattack is by keeping everything updated, including the software, operating system and browser. Most updates come with a loophole. However, the next update is designed to ensure that the previous vulnerabilities are taken care of. Keeping everything updated ensures that the professionals take care of the major loopholes.
Switch On The Firewall Security
A firewall ensures that unauthorised persons cannot access the data roaming on the business’s private network. Most operating system comes with a default firewall. However, if the default firewall feature is absent, one can install free firewall software. Also, the employees who are remotely working from home should be encouraged to turn on their firewall.
Backups Of Important Data
Even though having a backup of important data is not a strategy to fight cyber attacks, it is an excellent way to minimise the loss of a cyberattack. All the important data should have multiple backups. If possible, switch on automatic backup. However, if it is impossible, it is recommended to do a backup at least every week manually.
Secure The Wi-Fi Network
If you have an office with a Wi-Fi network, it is vital to ensure that the Wi-Fi network is not only hidden and encrypted too. There are ways to hide the Wi-Fi network. Further, keep changing the Wi-Fi password periodically to ensure it is not leaked.
Ask The Employees To Take Care Of Their Devices
A cyberattack cannot only take place online; it can also be done offline. Ensure that they only access the company laptops distributed to the employees. Further, ask the employees to keep their laptops safely and securely. Unattended devices should be discouraged. Also, the administrative privileges of the laptops should be thoroughly managed and only shared with trusted people of your company.
Maintain Log Reviews
Maintaining a log review is essential to detect any kind of suspicious activity in the early stage. Maintaining low reviews requires visibility to understand all the activities occurring within your office’s internet infrastructure. Also, it helps to keep an eye on the different devices and their traffic flow.
Ask Everyone To Keep A Strong Password
Last but not least, everyone should be encouraged to keep a strong password. Further, this password should be periodically changed. Also, encourage the employees to keep different passwords for different accounts. Having one strong password for all the accounts is not good digital hygiene. It is because one compromised password can put all the accounts at risk.
With the tips mentioned above, any SMEs can take basic cybersecurity precautions to stay safe from cybersecurity attacks.