7 Network Security Tips for Small Businesses

Taking security tips seriously is the best way to protect your small business from cyber threats throughout the internet. The average data breach costs businesses $4 million, but you can avoid those losses if you prioritize network security at your company. Cyber threats are everywhere; you’ll need the right cybersecurity software to keep your information safe.

It’s also essential that your employees are on board, as many issues with network security happen due to human error. Taking the proper steps is the only way to enjoy the cyber security benefits of a secure and stable network.

The good news is that you’ve found the right guide to learning more security tips and the importance of securing your small business network. Keep reading to learn more today!

1. Train Your Employees

The first step to boosting your network security is to train your employees on the proper steps for network security. Simple passwords allow hackers easy access to your systems and financial information. You can’t risk letting your employees make your business susceptible to hacking attacks.

The most common cause of data breaches is malicious steps taken by employees and careless mistakes. An employee misplacing a piece of work technology like a laptop or tablet is an example of careless mistakes allowing hackers into your system.

Phishing scams are another major concern to consider with your cyber security. Train your employees on how to identify phishing emails. Consistent training will allow them to spot these cyber attacks.

Consider hiring an outside firm to offer some security tips to your employees. Training them is the best investment you can make for network security.

2. Use Risk Assessment

It’s also critical to calculating the risk of a data breach. It would be best to find every risk your small business faces so you can take the proper steps to address them. Finding ways to stop security threats is much easier when you know what you’re up against.

Consider where you store your business data during your risk assessment. It’s best to identify who you want to have access to that data to keep it safe. Ask your cloud provider for assistance with your risk assessment if you’re storing company data on a cloud-based server.

You’ll have a much clearer picture of the risks you’re facing, the consequences of those risks, and how to prevent them. You must review your risk assessment consistently, as hackers will continue finding new ways to attempt a data breach. You want to avoid losing your Project Zomboid server hosting capabilities due to a careless mistake.

3. Invest in Anti-Virus Software

Purchasing anti-virus software is another excellent idea if you’re trying to boost your network security. This software option protects all of your company’s devices. Anti-virus software protects you from spyware, ransomware, and phishing scams.

Look for virus protection software that also aids you with wiping your devices. You don’t want to continue using your company devices if they’ve been infected with a virus. It’s much easier to wipe the device clean and use your backed-up data to resume business operations.

4. Keep Your Small Business Software Updated

It’s also critical to keep your other software programs updated when you’re boosting your network security. Software updates often have security patches to close vulnerable areas in the software. Failure to update your security could result in an easy path to unauthorized access to your data.

Updating your software is simple unless you’re in need of a WiFi router update. Router updates require you to take steps manually. Having updated software won’t do much to protect you if you’re not protecting your internet network.

5. Back Up Your Data

Backing up your data is another important security tip to remember when you’re working on bolstering your cybersecurity measures. It’s easy to lose all of your business data if you don’t back it up prior to facing a cyber threat. Ransomware can delete your data if you don’t respond to the hackers’ demands.

You’ll never get that data back unless you back up your files regularly. Most businesses could not continue running if their data was wiped. Don’t put your small business in a position where it can’t recover if a hacker accesses your stored data. 

Backup programs are among your best options if you’re trying to make the most of the cybersecurity benefits. Your files and data automatically get backed up, so you don’t need to schedule a time to handle these backups. It’s also wise to store copies of your on offline servers to make them inaccessible.

6. Use Strong Passwords

Strong passwords go a long way toward improving network security. You’d be surprised to see how simple it is for a hacker to guess a simple password based on your interests and hobbies. Strong passwords close off that gap that hackers try to use to gain access to your small business network.

Aim for a password with 15 characters and a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Hackers will struggle to guess your network passwords with these security tips.

7. Protect Mobile Devices

Mobile devices are an often overlooked area for network security. Holding sensitive data on a mobile device comes with a ton of risk for your business’s security. Always ask your employees to use password protection on their mobile devices to prevent data from falling into the wrong hands.

Data encryption is another way your employees can keep your small business data safe. Don’t risk losing everything you’ve built over a simple case of human error.

Start Improving Your Network Security Today

Boosting your network security is a vital step to take for the long-term health and success of your business operations. Always back up your files to prevent losing everything in the event of a data breach, and remember to update your business software. It’s also a wise decision to protect mobile devices since they’re easy to lose.

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