High-profile cyber attacks and data breaches have raised awareness of the growing threat of cyber crime—yet many small business owners are still operating under a false sense of cyber security.
The majority of Canadian small businesses lack a formal Internet security policy for employees, and only about half have cyber security measures in place. This disconnect is largely due to the widespread, albeit mistaken, belief that small businesses are unlikely targets for cyber attacks. In reality, data thieves are simply looking for the path of least resistance. Many of the attacks are against organizations with fewer than 250 employees.
Large companies are devoting more resources towards data security, making small businesses increasingly attractive targets. The results can be devastating for small business owners.
The average cost of a cyber attack on a small or medium-sized business is nearly $200,000. Many of these businesses put off making necessary improvements to their cyber security protocols until it was too late because they feared the costs would be prohibitive.
10 Ways to Prevent Cyber Attacks
Even if you don’t currently have the resources to bring in an outside expert to test your computer systems and make security recommendations, there are simple, economical steps you can take to reduce your risk of falling victim to a costly cyber attack:
1. Train employees in cyber security principles. Consider sending staff for specific training to ensure you have the right defence in place.
2. Install, use and regularly update antivirus and antispyware software on every computer used in your business.
3. Use a firewall for your Internet connection.
4. Download and install software updates for your operating systems and applications as they become available.
5. Perform daily backups of important business data and information.
6. Control physical access to your computers and network components.
7. Secure your Wi-Fi networks. If you have a Wi-Fi network for your workplace make sure it is secure and hidden.
8. Require individual user accounts for each employee.
9. Limit employee access to data and information, and limit authority to install software.
10. Regularly change passwords and make sure you have a strong password. Possibly use a password manager like LastPass.
A data breach could cripple your small business, costing you thousands or millions of dollars in lost sales and/or damages. Contact NFP Brokers Inc to discuss coverage options designed to protect your company against losses from cyber attacks.
(Source: Zywave Cyber Risks & Liabilities)
