Small businesses are a major target for cyber attacks, but many don’t know how to protect themselves. This quick guide will teach you the basics of cyber security so your business can stay safe online.
Article Contents
Anti-Virus Software
One of the most important things you can do to help protect your small business from cyber attacks is to install and regularly update anti-virus software on all your devices. This software is a barrier between your devices and potential threats, scanning files for viruses and other malicious code.
Not all anti-virus software is the same, and while you may consider a free or cheap solution to keep your business costs down, you should understand that these solutions are often not the best way to protect your data and devices.
Nerds On Site Anti-Virus Recommendation
We’ve worked with three of the best in the industry, and they’ve provided proven results to our Clients.
Webroot® Business Endpoint Protection Software for Business
Webroot is a powerful, easy-to-use anti-virus and malware protection solution. It has advanced threat detection capabilities with real-time monitoring to help keep your business safe from new and emerging threats. Plus, it’s simple to install and manage.
Malwarebytes Cyberprotection For Every Business
Malwarebytes is another great option for small businesses that need comprehensive protection against malware and other online threats. With active blocking, real-time threat detection, and cloud-based scanning capabilities, it’s one of the most advanced solutions on the market today. Plus, it’s easy to use and can be customized to your unique needs.
ECET Prevent breaches, with proven digital security
Finally, ECET is a cutting-edge cyber protection solution from one of the world’s leading technology providers. It combines network, endpoint, and cloud security with powerful analytics to protect businesses against even the most sophisticated threats. With complete visibility into all activity on your network, it’s easy to stay one step ahead of potential attackers.
If you’re looking for an effective and easy-to-use solution to protect your small business from cyber-attacks, we recommend using one of the top providers listed above. Their powerful software will keep your data safe, so you can focus on growing your business without worrying about digital threats.
Use Strong Passwords & A Password Manager
Another important step in protecting your small business from cyber attacks is to use strong passwords and a password manager. Passwords should be long and include a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Additionally, you should avoid sharing passwords with others and using the same password across multiple sites or accounts.
A password manager can help simplify this process by storing all your complex passwords in one easy-to-access location. There are many different options available, and it’s important to find one that meets your individual needs and security requirements.
Nerds On Site Password Manager Recommendation
Lastpass one of the most popular password managers for small businesses. It offers a powerful, user-friendly solution that is easy to set up and manage. With advanced security features like two-factor authentication and secure cloud storage, you can rest assured that your passwords are safe and accessible.
Another great option is 1Password Business. This robust password manager offers a simple and intuitive interface, along with advanced security features like multi-factor authentication, auto-lock, and other encryption options. Whether you’re looking for a free or premium version, 1Password has you covered.
Suppose you’re looking for an effective way to securely manage your passwords and protect your small business from cyber-attacks. In that case, we recommend using one of the above password manager options.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
In addition to using strong passwords, another important step in protecting your small business from cyber attacks is to enable two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication requires users to enter an additional code or password along with their regular login credentials to access their accounts. This adds an extra layer of security and makes it much more difficult for hackers to gain unauthorized access.
We recommend never using email or text as your primary authentication, as these are not secure. Emails can be hacked, and phone numbers can be hijacked. The only authentication methods we recommend include a desktop or mobile app or a hardware key.
Nerds On Site Two-Factor Authentication Recommendation
Keep Your Software Up-To-Date
One of the most important things you can do to keep your computer safe is to ensure that all your software is up-to-date. This means regularly updating your web browsers, operating systems, and other software as soon as new updates become available. This will help prevent hackers from taking advantage of security vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain access to your data.
Out-of-date software is a top cause of cyber-attacks, so it’s important to stay vigilant about keeping your software up-to-date.
Nerds On Site Software Update Recommendation
Nerds On Site Managed IT Services
If you’re looking for an effective way to keep your software and other computer systems up-to-date, we recommend using a managed IT service provider like Nerds On Site. Our experts have the knowledge and experience to proactively monitor your systems, identify and address security risks, provide software updates and patches, and more.
Back-Up Your Data Regularly
In addition to keeping your software up-to-date, it is also important to keep a regular back-up of all your critical data. This will ensure that if your systems are ever compromised, you will still have copies of your data and business files available so you can continue running smoothly.
Many options for backing up your data include cloud-based services and local backups on external hard drives or other devices.
Experts recommend having three backups of your online and offline data to ensure your business is fully protected.
Nerds On Site Data Backup Recommendation
If you’re looking for a reliable and secure way to back up your data, we recommend using Carbonite cloud backup. With features like automatic backups, easy restoration, and military-grade encryption, Carbonite is a safe and effective option for keeping your business data protected.
Do Not Allow Admin Access to Employees
Finally, a critical step in protecting your small business from cyber attacks is to ensure that all employees do not have admin access to computer systems and networks. This will help prevent hackers from targeting individual users and gaining access to sensitive data or systems.
To help safeguard your data and protect your business, we recommend restricting administrative privileges for all employees and only granting them to trusted users.
There are many other security best practices that businesses can implement to protect themselves from cyber-attacks. But by implementing these four key strategies, small businesses can significantly improve their cybersecurity posture and reduce the risk of a costly data breach or hack.
Nerds On Site Cybersecurity Recommendation
With nearly 30 years of experience in the IT industry, Nerds On Site is a trusted provider of cybersecurity solutions for small businesses. Whether you need help identifying and addressing your business’ specific security risks, implementing best practices to protect your data, or managing ongoing monitoring and maintenance of your systems, we can help.
Contact us today using the form below to learn more about how we can help protect your business from cyber threats.
