For years, all you had to do for small business cyber security was find the best antivirus protection to ward off malware and viruses. Today hackers are far advanced in their capabilities. The MIT Technology Review notes the top cyber threats are ransomware, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency mining, and cyber-physical attacks. Along with our managed IT services, Alltek is the leader in computer security in Lakeland, FL. Let us help you protect against hackers with these easy steps you can take today for improved cybersecurity for your small business.
Check Out Cyber Planner 2.0
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has developed a free and simple tool called Small Biz Cyber Planner 2.0. With this online tool, you can use to develop a personalized cybersecurity planning guide. It covers a bevy of topics that may apply to your business, such as mobile device and email security.
This is an excellent place to get started with a working knowledge of cybersecurity as it applies to small businesses in particular. You are also getting the bare bones of an effective cybersecurity strategy. Keep in mind the generated guides are generic to all small businesses in that you will not receive industry-specific security measures. This is where Alltek provider of computer network security in Lakeland, FL is here to shine by creating niche cyber security strategies for clients.
Update All IT Equipment
The next most basic step any small business owner can take in improving cybersecurity is to update all IT equipment. This includes computers, printers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other handheld computerized devices. You should also maintain software updates as these are released.
Also, you should check the update log files whenever you complete an update. You will be able to see if any updates were related to security issues. This can be helpful in identifying the source of your cyber security concerns.
Protect Against Ransomware
Potentially one of the leading cybersecurity threats of 2019, ransomware is on the radar of the Department of Homeland Security. The DHS reports that ransomware is malicious software most commonly sent in two methods. The first is through phishing emails, which are emails with live links, attachments, or requests for personal or sensitive information.
The second significant way that ransomware is shared is when hackers exploit unpatched security vulnerabilities in software. Here is why the previous tip of updating your computer software regularly is of the most importance. When you do upgrade your computer, always perform secured updates only provided through the software company or a trusted app store.
Limit User Access
When dealing with computers, accounts, or internet service maintain a list and log of those people who have access at all times. Create an equipment and hardware log that includes every employee that uses company equipment. Audit this list every month to ensure no devices have been lost, misplaced, or stolen.
Limit access to the internet, too. If you have been providing open access to Wi-Fi for your business customers on the same access point as your employees, stop. This is one of the easiest ways for hackers to access otherwise secured data via your company server. Establish password-protected internet access only if you need to provide this service for your customers or clients.
Close Social Media Access Points
Another critical issue for cybersecurity involves social media. This starts when employees log on to Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social media sites on company computers or the company network. Note this applies to laptops and smartphones that are connected to the company network.
Often employees log on, either to personal or business pages, and remain logged in even after they close out the screen or app. However, since they are still logged in, hackers can easily break in and access company information. Remind employees to log out every single time when using company hardware or Wi-Fi for social media.
Choose Alltek
Once you establish these necessary steps of protecting your small business against cyber hackers, it is time to let the experts step in. Here at Alltek, we have provided excellent computer security for Polk County and Hillsborough County since 2003. Let our team of IT experts solve your security issues today. Whether you are interested in protecting against cyber threats or handling cyber attacks in real time, we have the solution for your company. To get started, contact Alltek for network security in Lakeland, FL.