Your data is valuable, and so is the security that protects it. Every day, cybercriminals attack small businesses and steal their sensitive information, costing them huge losses in resources (and huge gains in headaches). In fact, the total cost of cybercrimes to small businesses reached $2.4 billion in 2021. But not to fear – by encouraging best practices in security policies, you can a secure a safe future for your data and your business.
Educating yourself and your employees is critical. Even one employee clicking the wrong link in a phishing email can compromise your whole system. Phishing occurs when attackers get people to interact with harmful links and attachments, which spread malware and steal sensitive data.
According to CISA, you can often recognize phishing emails when they: use alarming language, urge immediate action, and ask for sensitive information. Let your employees know if they are unsure about the legitimacy of an email to ask you or your IT department before clicking on any links or attachments.
Consider using software like Microsoft Defender that quarantines suspicious emails before they hit your inbox. By letting you review suspicious emails in a separate setting first, this software can minimize the chance of employees falling for phishing. However, sometimes software can catch emails that are legitimate too, so be sure to review each thoroughly.
Strong passwords also offer strong protection. If your password is short, contains only real words, and is being used across multiple accounts, it is much easier to hack. Require employees to have passwords that are long (at least 16 characters), random (mixed letters, numbers, and symbols), and unique (used for one account) to better protect your data.
The next best step is to set up multifactor authentication (MFA). MFA requires that employees log into their account with two or more verification methods, such as through a text or authenticator app. This offers an extra layer of protection to prevent unwanted people from entering the account.
One other easy way to stay secure is to update your software and web browsers regularly. With many software updates containing bug fixes and patches, they keep your system safe against new threats. Without them, you may be leaving vulnerabilities in your system. This is why Software for Hardware constantly pushes out updates to guard against threats.
SFH Cloud, the cloud-based version of its project management software, includes other security features too. It encrypts user data both at rest and in motion, uses the latest firewall and anti-virus software, and runs two types of backups daily, all to keep your data safe.
In fact, one SFH customer experienced a ransomware attack in 2023 that left every one of their systems compromised – except NetSuite and Software for Hardware, because they were on a cloud server. With more than 50% of SFH customers expected to be utilizing SFH Cloud by the end of 2025, this strong security is just another great reason to make the move.
Ensuring that your business’ data stays secure is vital for the sake of many people, including your employees, vendors, and customers. By recognizing phishing, using strong passwords and multifactor authentication, updating your software, and using software that includes strong security measures, you can uphold the responsibility of keeping people’s data safe. Constantly educate on and encourage strong security measures, and your business will be best protected against costly cybercrimes.
