When we're aiming at big targets, they're easier to hit than smaller ones for sure. But in cybersecurity, the exact opposite is true.
While cyber thieves are constantly attacking corporate computers and servers of big companies to steal financial information and personal information, but small businesses are the ones that are impacted the most when data breach happens.
More than often, the results are devastating.
The thing about small businesses is that, they have a lot to lose. Small businesses not only store their own critical data and information, but also customer records (including personal information, and possibly credit card, social security, and/or other numbers), passwords, vendor information, customer lists, and much more.
This data is expensive and it's a lot to lose, should they ever lose it.
Take Precautions And Be Alert At All Times
With thieves and frauds everywhere, it's clear that small businesses need to be on toes and alert a all moments.
They are a few things they can do. For starters, it should go without saying that they too need protection for their business and computer systems.
First, they need to install security software on all of their computer systems, and not to mention all mobile devices that can or are frequently used to connect to the systems.
Second, they need to install remote computer backup so that, should the worst happen, they will have a system to can protect their business, allowing them to recover.
For precautions, small businesses need to always stay alert and ready. Some of the ways include:
- Regularly testing data security systems and procedures.
- Develop a data breach response plan that includes a communications response plan.
- Get a cyber liability insurance.
- Train employees how to spot fraud attempts and phishing schemes.
- Encrypt sensitive data.
- Enable two-factor authentication.
- Have physical security because not all theft happens online.
Then if anything happens:
- Act immediately. Contact IT team, legal counsel and cyber liability insurance agent.
- Contain the breach, and take the system offline.
- Recover and document every step.
- Communicate with employees and aware customers about the issue.
- Take steps by knowing the weaknesses, and patch that to prevent future similar attacks.