For small businesses, data security is a challenge. However, some steps can be taken to improve the security of your data to protect it from threats such as viruses and other malicious software. Here are some tips that can help you secure your data.
If you run a small business, you know data security’s importance. And while the majority of the data security risks faced by companies of all sizes are the same, there are some unique concerns faced by small businesses.
When protecting your business from cyber attacks, implementing a comprehensive data security plan is the only way to ensure maximum protection. But with so many data security threats, you might wonder what you need to look out for. In this blog post, we will give you a few tips to help you keep your business safe.
We’re discussing data security for small businesses. This is particularly important since hackers often target small businesses because they’re easier to break into and steal information. There are some tips in this episode that you might not have heard.
What is data security?
Data security is the process of ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.
This is something that every business must do, regardless of size.
You may already know about the most common data security threats, but you may not realize that the same dangers apply to small businesses.
A recent survey found that nearly 75% of small business owners don’t have a data security plan, meaning they’re putting their entire company at risk.
Here are three ways that data security threats can impact small businesses.
1. Identity theft
This is the most common way hackers attempt to steal money from a business. It’s usually done by stealing a customer’s credit card information, but it could also be an employee, partner, or vendor.
If your business uses payment processing services, you should always keep your information updated. You should also be aware that your employees and partners should never have access to your payment processing information.
2. Malware
This is the most common data security threat, but it’s also the easiest to fix. Malware is software that is designed to harm a computer or its user. Hackers use malware to steal personal information, monitor keystrokes, and install backdoors on a system. To protect your business, you should ensure you have up-to-date anti-malware software on all your plans.
3. Data breaches
While identity theft and malware are more common, data breaches are devastating. A data breach is when a hacker gains access to a company’s network. They steal sensitive information and often take down the entire system.
A good rule of thumb is to assume that a hacker can break into any device connected to your network. That means you must be careful about what devices are connected to your network and how they’re protected and updated.
How to make your business more secure
To protect your business, you need to understand what data security means. Data security prevents unauthorized access to data stored on a company’s servers. At its most basic level, it safeguards sensitive information from loss, theft, or unauthorized access.
How to create a secure password
If you’re in the habit of choosing easily guessable passwords or too similar to one another, you’re putting your small business at risk. While it’s true that your password needs to be long and complex, you should also make sure that each of your passwords is different. To do this, consider using a password manager such as LastPass or KeePass or encrypting your information with services such as OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive.
Tips for password managers
Many business owners and entrepreneurs overlook the importance of password management, which is a mistake. When it comes to data security, passwords are the weakest link. A bad hacker can easily compromise your company if they get their hands on your password manager.
It’s important to note that not all password managers are created equal. Some are easy to use, while others are more complex. That’s why password managers are a must-have for any small business.
How to avoid phishing scams
While it might seem like a no-brainer to avoid clicking on suspicious links, it’s a mistake that can cause big trouble. We’ve all seen phishing emails and scam sites. They often look just like legitimate sites, so it can be difficult to know whether you’re dealing with a legitimate site or an imposter. ‘To avoid falling victim to a scam, ensure you know how to tell if the email is safe.
First, you should double-check the email address of the sender. Is it the one you’ve been expecting? Does the domain name look legit?
The second step is to verify the sender’s credentials. Check if the email came from a well-known company or organization like the IRS.
Lastly, it would help if you looked at the body of the email. ‘Is the URL short and simple, or long and confusing? Does the message sound like it’s trying to trick you?
Frequently Asked Questions Data Security
Q: What’s the second most important data security tip for small businesses?
A: Always remember to back up your data.
Q: What’s the third most important data security tip for small businesses?
A: Use encryption on your computers. If someone steals your laptop, they can’t access your files.
Q: What’s the fourth most important data security tip for small businesses?
A: If you have an online business, don’t ever use the same username and password on every site.
Top Myths About Data Security
1. Your business data is safe.
2. You are not vulnerable to hackers.
3. Your website is not vulnerable to hackers.
4. Your company’s network is secure.
Conclusion
Today, we are living in a time when data security is a growing concern. According to a recent report by the Ponemon Institute, 87% of small businesses experienced a security breach in 2017. And more than half of those said their data was stolen from a third-party service provider. While these numbers may seem overwhelming, I have some advice to share. It’s easy to overlook things you must protect yourself against, including your data.
But it’s important to note that data security isn’t just about physical security anymore. Your data is valuable to someone. And they aren’t necessarily going to respect your privacy. So how can you protect your data and your business? I recommend starting with this checklist. If you need a bit of a hand, I’m available to teach you how to protect your data through email.
