A Quick Guide to Cyber Security Best Practices for Small Businesses
Small Businesses do not always have a plan B when there is an unprecedented cyber attack. But, with the current happenings in the cyber space, your business might be the next target and you certainly do not want to lose your valuable data and other confidential resources to Cyber crimes.
Wish there was an automated process that solves all these issues in your enterprise – something like a “Set it and forget it” mechanism? You do not need a plan B. What you really need is a plan with actionable steps to build a robust infrastructure.
The good news is ACSC (Australian Cyber Security Centre) has come up with a set of pre-requisites that you could follow to secure your business online, so you could peacefully resume your remote working lifestyle. Save this list or make a note of it and make sure you take the necessary steps to ensure that your organization is cyber safe.
Regular back up
This is where you start. Back up all your business data including files, sensitive information, etc. There are like a 100 ways you could lose your data to cyber crimes – Hijacking, ransomware attacks, staff accounts being hacked, and so on. The list is endless. So, you can not skip this step. The last thing you want for your business is unrecoverable or inaccessible data.
Further read: To learn more about how you could regularly back up data, check out ACSC’s advice on backing up and restoring data.
Schedule automatic security updates with a Security Software
Seamless installation of security updates after business hours works to your favor by reducing the server downtime. Also, regular patching of systems is a big deal because these upgrades might contain patches for recent attacks. The idea is to first make your business resilient to the known cyber-attacks.
Encrypt Confidential Information
Once you are connected to the internet, you can not expect privacy. It is time to revisit the Bob-Alice key encryption. So take your public and private keys and act smart to prevent feeling violated
Two Factor Authentication
Two Factor Authentication (2FA): An additional layer of security rarely goes wrong, similar to having two locks for your front door. It could either be a code sent to your device or a question that confirms your identity.
Install Password Manager
Because weak passwords are easy to crack using a password cracker tool and strong passwords are hard to remember. Bid adieu to ‘manually entering passwords’ or ‘resetting passwords’ because Zoho Vault, the online password manager is here to make your log-in process hassle-free. Installing its chrome extension will allow you to instantly log in to different accounts securely.
Keep track of the entire network
Many workplaces have old systems that have dust settled on it. Chances of updating those systems are likely to be less and it is better to unplug them because that is one of the weak points that cyber actors might use against you. Also, be careful about the use of external devices with your systems and ensure that you have removed access for previous employees. If you feel it is a lot to handle, you can contact us for a Free Cyber Threat Assessment.
Further read: Know why Cyber Security is important for your business and how to make it work for you.
Educate your staff
Your teams are your organization’s asset and as the Business owner, it is your prime responsibility to train your staff about how they can use the work devices and resources in the most secure way possible. Having a security policy handbook will help them to understand the do’s and dont’s when it comes to “work”. Also, at Flexbox we provide Security training for businesses like yours. Our qualified Cyber security experts want to help your staff to understand cyber security and its best practices.
Take steps to safeguard your customers
The confidentiality of your customers’ data is paramount. Don’t give a chance to their data being stolen unless you want to ruin people’s trust that took you years and loads of effort to establish in the first place. You can begin by researching on the most secure gateways for online transactions and also updating to the Australian Privacy Policy (APPs) for providing a safe online experience for your customers.
Further read: Dive into the insights provided by ACSC – Business owners on securing customer information.
Secure yourself first
Yes, you should protect your customers’ data. But before that, you need to have a Cyber security insurance policy to be able to bounce back in case of any attacks. Go through the resources on OAIC (Office of the Australian Information Commissioner). Our professionals can help you with it too. If you need any guidance, you can talk to us. We would be happy to device security policies tailored to your business needs that complies with the industry standards and governance frameworks.
Further read: Learn more about how we are supporting AESCSF in building Cyber resilient businesses.
Reach out for advice
How do you address the vulnerabilities present in your network? Self-assessment, strategizing, compliance, policies, and plans, etc. How do you juggle everything? We have a dedicated team that can help you with everything that concerns your cyber security. At Flexbox, we understand how small businesses and start-ups are striving to survive and not give in to any mishaps. We know the years of efforts you have put in to reach this place and would not want anything but for your business to move forward. While you get busy with important business activities and hit the monthly goals in your Sales chart, our Cyber security experts will secure your network by providing in-depth reviews and seal the security loopholes.
Feel free to contact us for a free cyber security consultation or fill-up the form below and submit it. Our cyber security professionals will be glad to help you out.