Four ways to proactively protect your business from cyberattacks

 In Integer IT News, Security

More than half of all malware attacks are against small businesses. Most malware is delivered via email and the damage to small businesses is very costly. A government report found that the average cost for a small business victim of a cyberattack is somewhere between $65,000 and $115,000.

While you can’t foolproof your business against a cyberattack, you can significantly reduce the chance of your small business becoming a target by adopting proper online security policies. Being proactive is a better defence than being reactive, and here are four ways to ensure you have proactive online security procedures in your small business:

  1. Keep your house in order

Online security starts with ensuring your IT networks are secure all the time. Therefore, you should regularly ensure all software updates are complete and there are no breaches in your system.

Replace legacy software, like Windows XP, as these older software products don’t receive updates and are therefore more vulnerable to attack.

  1. Restrict access

Not everyone needs access to everything. Carefully go through your staff and limit their access to only what they need. This can prevent malware from gaining access to sensitive areas and restrict damage should an attack happen.

If staff require access to servers or other areas for a brief period, that access should be temporary. As soon as they’re done, their access to that area should be cut again.

  1. Educate staff

Educating staff is probably something all businesses think they do, but don’t. Staff should do regular online security threat seminars to teach and remind them of the potential threats to the business and how they can avoid allowing them into your IT networks.

Lessons in online security can be done via an online learning portal, in person, or via courses taken outside of the office. As most malware attacks are because of human error from staff, this is one of the most important steps to take.

  1. Backup

This is one of the most commonly ignored online security precautions of small businesses. A regular backup allows you and your team to quickly recover should an attack happen. It also devalues the attack should it be ransomware.

Backups should be done at least once a day to ensure all data is as current as possible.

Online security isn’t something that can be taken lightly. It is a real danger to your business that will cost you if aren’t proactive. Look at your IT networks, staff and policies to see where you can be more proactive and defend your small business from potential attacks.

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