7 Ways to Upgrade Your Cybersecurity

By ABC Supply. 

Prevent data theft with these tips on how to protect your business from a cyberattack. 

Most small businesses don’t think of themselves as targets for cyberattacks. When it comes to online security, it's easy to believe your small business is far enough off the radar that you don't have to worry too much. However, a shocking 58% of cyberattacks happen to small businesses, proving that when it comes to the security of your company’s electronic data you can never be too careful. 

Protect yourself from a cyberattack by employing these tactics to make it harder for cybercriminals to access your company’s data.  

1 - Create strong passwords 

You’re probably guilty of reusing a password across more than one site. It’s easy to do but carries a serious security risk. Once a criminal has a password for one account, it’s easy for them to log into others and steal data. 

When you create a password for a new account, make sure it’s strong. Avoid common words or keyboard patterns, like 12345678 or QWERTY, and mix upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols throughout the password.  

2 - Use two-factor authentication 

Two-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security when logging into a device or account by verifying a user’s identity twice. This makes it harder for criminals to log into your accounts. While there are different forms of two-factor authentication, a common type is receiving a single-use code on your mobile phone that you’ll have to enter after signing in with your password. 

3 - Only open trustworthy emails 

Phishing, or posing as a trustworthy entity to trick you into revealing data, is one of the most common ways cybercriminals target businesses. Before opening an email, consider whether it’s from someone you know or if it’s an email message you’d expect to get. If not, you may want to delete it. If you receive a payment or request for sensitive information from a vendor or supplier, first call them to verify it’s legitimate before completing the request. Remember, ABC Supply will never make a payment change request via email. 

You should also avoid clicking on any suspicious email attachments or links, which can release viruses into your device. Other signs of a phishing attempt include strange email addresses or lots of spelling errors in the email. 

4 - Avoid sending confidential information electronically 

You should take extra steps to prevent data theft of customers’ payment details or employees’ personal information. If you need to share sensitive information electronically, there are ways to help protect it. 

• Add password protection to documents and share the password in a secure way.  

• Encrypt your email.  

• Use off-the-record (OTR) messaging to automatically encrypt data sent by instant message.  

5 - Back up important data 

Losing important data can be a significant setback for your business. Follow the 3-2-1 rule to make sure your data is safeguarded: 

• Keep three copies of any important file 

• Keep the files in two different places 

• Store one copy off-site (e.g., a safety deposit box or a safe) 

From cloud storage to hard drives, there are many ways you can back up your information.   

6 - Train employees on data security 

You can be careful about your data security practices, but it won’t matter if your employees aren’t careful with your company’s data. Share cybersecurity tips with your employees and emphasize the dangers of weak passwords or sharing data electronically. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency offers many helpful resources for you and your team to learn more about cybersecurity. Also, encourage your employees to report any suspicious activity, like a strange email, to you. 

7 - Talk to your insurance broker 

Data breaches can cost a lot of money. According to the 2021 Cost of Data Breach Report from IBM, data breach costs rose to their highest average in 17 years. Many insurance agencies offer cyber liability insurance or other tools to help protect from the fallout of a potential cyberattack. Ask your provider what coverage is available for your business. 

While data is never 100% protected, you can ensure your business isn’t an easy target for cybercriminals by following these cybersecurity tips.  

Learn more about ABC Supply in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.abcsupply.com.

Original article source: ABC Supply