Protect Your Small Business From Common Security Mistakes
January 20, 2023
As the world moves more and more of its business operations online, small businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks. With high stakes, such as loss of customer data, financial information and intellectual property, small businesses need to be especially vigilant in protecting their online security.
Good online security is essential for small businesses. It helps protect sensitive information, like customer data, financial information and intellectual property. It also helps protect against malicious attacks, such as phishing and malware. Without proper security measures, hackers could easily gain access to confidential information and wreak havoc on a small business’s operations.
Unfortunately, many small businesses make mistakes that can undermine their security and put themselves — and their customers — at risk. In this blog, we’re going to cover 10 of the most common security mistakes small businesses make, and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1. Not having a password policy
A good password policy is a must for any business. It should include rules for creating and changing passwords, as well as how often passwords should be changed.
Having a password policy in place helps ensure that employees are using strong passwords and changing them regularly, reducing the chances of a hacker gaining access to confidential data. It also encourages employees to use different passwords for different accounts.
Mistake #2. Not using two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to online accounts. It requires users to provide two methods of identification, such as a username and password, as well as a code sent to their mobile phone or email address.
This makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to accounts, helping to keep your accounts and anything in them — like customer data and intellectual property — safe.
Mistake #3. Not making regular software updates
Small business marketing software, like Marketing 360®, makes managing and growing your business easier and less time-consuming. However, it’s important to keep any software your small business uses up to date.
Software updates often include important security patches that help protect your data. If you’re not regularly updating your software, you might be leaving your business vulnerable to attack.
Mistake #4. Not backing up data
Data backup is essential. Not only does it protect your data in case of a system crash, it also helps protect against ransomware attacks, where hackers encrypt your data and demand a ransom to unlock it.
Regularly backing up your data ensures that if the worst does happen, you won’t lose everything. It also means that you won’t be forced to pay a ransom to get your data back.
Mistake #5. Not training employees
Training employees in cybersecurity is essential for small businesses. Employees should know how to recognize phishing emails and other malicious attempts to gain access to your data. They should also know the importance of strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
By training your employees in cybersecurity, you can help ensure that your business is better protected from malicious attacks.
Mistake #6. Not using antivirus software
Antivirus software is essential for any business. It helps protect against viruses, malware and other malicious attacks. It also helps protect against phishing emails, which are often used to gain access to confidential data.
Make sure that you have up-to-date antivirus software installed on all of your company’s devices, including computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones.
Mistake #7. Not having a security policy
Having a written security policy is essential for any business. It should include rules for creating and changing passwords, as well as how often passwords should be changed. It should also outline the company’s stance on using public Wi-Fi and external devices, as well as how to deal with suspicious emails.
By having a written security policy, you can make sure that everyone in your business is following the same security measures and doing their part to help keep your data safe.
Mistake #8. Not using a secure web hosting service
A secure web hosting service can help protect your website and any data it contains from malicious attacks. It should include features like firewalls, malware scanning and SSL encryption.
Using a secure web hosting service is essential for any business with an online presence. It helps ensure that your website and any data on it is safe from hackers.
Mistake #9. Not monitoring your network
Network monitoring is an essential part of any business’s security measures. It helps you detect suspicious activity and alerts you to any potential threats that might be present on your network.
Make sure you have a system in place to monitor your network for any suspicious activity. This is an important step in protecting your data from malicious attacks.
Mistake #10. Not having an incident response plan
Having an incident response plan is essential for any business. It outlines the steps to take in the event of a security breach, such as what information to gather, who to contact and how to contain the breach.
Having an incident response plan in place helps ensure that your business is prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a security breach.
Small businesses need to be aware of the potential security threats that come with operating online. It is important to take the necessary steps to ensure the security of online operations and protect customer data, financial information and intellectual property.
Establishing a secure environment is a must for any business, and avoiding the 10 mistakes listed above can help ensure that your business is better protected from malicious attacks.
Learn more about how Marketing 360 can help you manage and grow your small business, and see our plans and pricing.
Get Plans and Pricing Below
Get the know-how to get ahead
Get business, marketing and sales tips written by experienced industry practitioners. 100% free. Cancel anytime.