Small businesses often find it hard to match large companies in cybersecurity budgets. While there is no denying that cybersecurity should be among the top priorities, your small business can still do a lot without breaking the bank. When it comes to preventing security breaches, precautionary steps within the organization can be handy beyond doubt.  Here are some best ways to avoid security breaches & data theft. 

Focus on emails, websites and downloads

Almost one-third of all cyberattacks are known to be caused by malware, and it is absolutely critical and necessary to avoid malware downloads in the first place. Emails are often the primary source of malware downloads. Ask employees to keep an eye on suspicious emails, free links and downloads, besides phishing emails. Employees are often lured by hackers using social engineering techniques, and they end up divulging details or downloading a trojan, which does the job for cybercriminals. 

Passwords and authentication

Weak passwords are easy to hack and are often targeted by hackers. The same is true for default usernames and details. Make sure that you consider using better password protection measures. For instance, all passwords used by employees should be at least 10 characters long, must have special characters, uppercase & lowercase letters, and numbers. Secondly, where required, consider using a second or third-layer of authentication. This is primarily important for two reasons. First, you can prevent relying on passwords alone, and secondly, people cannot randomly access details, even if they have the password. 

Think of antimalware software

Today, there are ready business suites that are designed to detect malware, adware, spyware, and trojans. Antimalware software, as long as you select the right one, can be extremely handy for ensuring that unwanted files are not downloaded, and if there are emails from unknown, untrusted sources, the user can be informed immediately. Also, make it a point to place all networked devices behind firewalls. 

Don’t forget to spend on cybersecurity training

Ensuring that you have aware, responsible and trained employees at the workplace is extremely important for cybersecurity. Create cybersecurity awareness programs and make this a part of the onboarding process. It is also wise to have a list of dos and don’ts for employees. For instance, passwords shouldn’t be reused, or selected resources shouldn’t be accessed from certain devices. 

Finally, where needed, seek help on cybersecurity practices. There are companies that can guide and offer assistance on handling your specific security concerns and creating necessary environment for ensuring cybersecurity.

Paul Petersen