Data breaches can be hugely detrimental to your business, not to mention the stress involved when trying to mitigate the issues caused by the breach. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to breaches, primarily because they have fewer resources to help prevent them, and fewer options when attempting to recover from the breach. Read on for some tips as to how to protect your small business from data breaches.
Software
Security software is your first line of defence. Invest in a full package of firewalls, antivirus, encryption and endpoint detection response, which will protect your systems from advanced forms of malware and phishing. Make sure you keep all software up-to-date, installing updates and patches as soon as they become available.
Check employee access
When you off-board employees or third-party partners, make sure you delete accounts and remove shared access to any documents and data. It’s a good idea to utilise a password management system to avoid having to repeatedly change passwords.
Keep your chain strong
Embedding a culture of security within your team will ensure it is less vulnerable to sophisticated hacking techniques. Human are usually the weakest link in any chain, succumbing to phishing hacks that result in passwords and other sensitive information being shared with hackers. Offer training to help prevent such scenarios and encourage them to follow up on anything that seems suspicious. Two-factor authentication is just one weapon in your armoury, and combined with training and common sense, can help prevent most attacks.
Outsource IT services
If your business isn’t IT, it’s worth on-boarding an expert or a team to manage your security solutions for you. As a small business, it’s unlikely you have the resources to put into robust security, and by outsourcing this crucial aspect of your business, you can free up time to do what you and your employees do best: run your business.