Studies show small businesses are more likely to get cyber-attacked due to their inability to afford the types of security that large companies employ. One in five small business are victims of security attacks each year, and 60% end up going out of business within six months of the attack.
So what can be done to protect yourself?
The first way to secure yourself is through your internet connection and any device that connects to it. A good hardware firewall will keep out the bad stuff an steer away attackers. But a firewall will not block everything, so you should secure your internet connected devices as well. These devices include computers, laptops, tablets, and even cell phones. Every device that connects to the internet regardless of make, model or operating system is vulnerable, so a good anti-virus and anti-malware solution will go a long way towards protecting your data.
Another great strategy to protect yourself, is to get informed and trained. Being aware of the many ways to “hack” a company is a powerful tool. Some of these methods include digging through garbage to find passwords or sensitive material and sending phishing emails. Phishing, or sending fake emails enticing the user to click on a link containing a virus, is another common way that criminals attempt to manipulate business owners. There are many companies that can offer training courses for employers and employees to help them protect themselves from these types of attacks. Check online for resources close to you.
Complex password are a requirement in today’s world. It is easy for hackers to break simple passwords. Some basic password requirements that everyone should live by are:
- Minimum length of 8 characters
- Include upper case, lower case, numbers, and symbols.
- Change passwords every 90 days, minimum
Something as simple as having a strong password and knowing the common tactics used in attacks can be the difference between putting you or your business at risk and keeping your data secure.