Cyber Security Advice & Tips for Small Businesses

As an MD, CEO or CFO of a small business, you know that cyber security is an essential part of keeping your business running smoothly and safely. But with all the different resources and advice out there about cybersecurity, it can be hard to know where to start.

This blog post aims to provide you with actionable advice for securing your small business online.

We'll cover topics like employee training best practices, basics for setting up secure networks, risk monitoring solutions, and practical tips for staying ahead of the curve when it comes to cyber security threats.

Read on for some easy-to-implement ways to bolster cyber security for small businesses!

Importance of Cyber Security for Small Businesses

The importance of cyber security for small businesses cannot be understated - one cyber-attack could have devastating consequences for a business’s finances and reputation.

Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to cyber-attacks due to their limited resources and lack of expertise in cybersecurity.

Investing in cybersecurity measures such as firewalls, encryption, and employee training can go a long way in preventing attacks and ensuring the safety of important business information.

By prioritising cybersecurity, small businesses can remain competitive and secure in an increasingly digital landscape.

13 Strategic Cyber Security Advice & Tips for Small Businesses

Here are 13 strategic cyber security advice and tips for small businesses to protect against threats.

1. Develop a Cyber Security Policy

The first important tip of cyber security for small businesses is to develop a security policy. Every business should have a comprehensive cyber security policy that outlines the company’s approach to protecting its data and systems from malicious attacks.

The policy should include procedures for responding to potential threats, guidelines for staff training, and instructions for updating software and hardware. 

Let us know what exactly is a cyber security policy and what it includes.

Cyber Security Policy Definition

Cyber Security Policy is a comprehensive set of guidelines designed to protect an organisation's infrastructure and data against unauthorised access, theft, and damage.

What Does a Cyber Security Policy Include?

A cyber security policy includes a range of policies, procedures, and practices that define how employees, contractors, and third-party vendors should use technology resources.

These guidelines cover several topics such as data protection, network security, access control, incident response, and disaster recovery.

A well-defined Cyber Security Policy ensures that proper security measures are taken at all levels of an organisation, from employees to management, to guard against the increasing risk and frequency of cyber-attacks.

With the growing threat of cybercrime, implementing a Cyber Security Policy is a crucial step for any business looking to safeguard their operations and sensitive information.

2. Educate Employees

It is important to educate employees on the best practices of cyber security for small businesses so they can help protect the company’s data and systems from attack.

This includes teaching them how to identify phishing emails, recognise suspicious links, and spot malicious websites.

Employees should be trained on how to recognise suspicious emails, phishing attempts, and other malicious activities.

Additionally, they should be aware of the company's cyber security policies so that they can help protect the organisation from potential threats.

3. Use Multi-Factor Authentication

Another cyber security advice for small businesses is to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA). An MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to provide two or more pieces of evidence (such as a password and a one-time code sent via text message) to access an account or system.

Importance of MFA

Implementing MFA can help reduce the risk of unauthorised access to critical data and systems.

This type of authentication helps to protect against unauthorised access by requiring users to enter a unique code, which is sent via text message or email, in addition to their username and password.

MFA can be easily implemented on most systems and is an essential measure of cyber security for small businesses.

4. Install Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is another cyber security for small businesses which helps protect computers from malware infections by scanning files, emails, and webpages for malicious code before allowing them onto a device.

Small businesses should invest in reputable antivirus solutions which offer real-time protection against known threats as well as regular updates which contain signatures for newly discovered viruses, Trojans, worms etc.

Installing antivirus software across all devices used within an organisation will help reduce the risk of infection caused by malicious actors seeking entry into its systems.

Software and Firewalls

Your antivirus and firewall software are your first line of defence against malware as cyber security for small businesses – they’re designed to routinely check for the presence of malware and malicious activity, containing and removing any attacks.

It’s essential that you keep both installed, turned on, and up-to-date so hackers can’t take advantage of any vulnerabilities in previous versions.

5. Update Software Regularly

It is important for small businesses to regularly update their software to keep up with the latest security patches and fixes released by vendors.

Outdated software can leave organisations vulnerable to attacks as hackers will often target known vulnerabilities that have not been patched yet.

In terms of cyber security for small businesses, they should also consider using automated patching solutions which can help ensure that all systems are kept up to date with minimal effort required from IT staff members.

Keep your software and hardware up-to-date

Out-of-date software and equipment put cyber security for small businesses at a higher risk of an attack. Make sure you keep everything up-to-date with the latest security patches, and enable auto-updates so you won’t need to worry about it in the future.

If your software or equipment reaches its end-of-life and no longer receives updates, you will need to consider replacing it – but don’t worry, you will usually receive plenty of warnings before your software or hardware reaches the end of its supported life.

6. Back Up Data Regularly

Regularly backing up critical data ensures that even if it is lost or stolen due to a cyber-attack you will still be able to recover it quickly and easily without too much disruption or downtime for your business operations.

Data backups are essential for ensuring business continuity in case of an attack or natural disaster which could cause irreparable damage to critical systems or data stores within an organisation’s infrastructure.

Small businesses should consider implementing automated backup solutions which regularly store copies of critical data offsite so that it can be restored quickly if needed without having to manually transfer files between locations.

There are a few solutions you can do to ensure business continuity and protection of your assets:

Continuity Planning

We’ll work with you to create a bespoke, ready-to-run, recovery plan that can help you get back on your feet as soon as possible.

Cloud Backup

We can create comprehensive, secure cloud backups to protect your data for servers and workstations.

Co-location Services

We’ll assist you to secure your critical elements and get them off-site, so they can survive any event.

7. Monitor Network Activity

One of the effective cyber security tips for small businesses is Monitoring network activity. This can help small businesses detect unusual behaviour that could indicate malicious activity such as unauthorised logins or data transfers quickly so that appropriate action can be taken before any damage is done.

Organisations should consider investing in network monitoring tools such as firewalls or intrusion detection systems which can alert administrators when unusual behaviour is detected on the network so that it can be investigated further.

Network monitoring tools can also be used to detect potential weaknesses in your system’s security that may need addressing before they are exploited by attackers.

8. Secure Wi-Fi Networks

Securing your Wi-Fi network is essential in the age of constant connectivity. An unprotected network could leave your personal information vulnerable to hackers and other malicious attacks.

There are several steps which can be implemented to ensure cyber security for small businesses. First, make sure to choose a strong and unique password for your Wi-Fi network.

It is also recommended to enable WPA2 encryption to protect your network from unauthorised access.

Regularly updating your router’s firmware and disabling remote management are also simple yet effective ways to enhance your network’s security.

By taking these reasonable precautions of cybersecurity, small businesses can achieve peace of mind knowing their Wi-Fi network is well guarded against potential threats.

9. Use Strong Passwords

Another underrated tips for cyber security for small businesses are passwords. A strong password with a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols, while avoiding personal information such as your name, birth date, or pet’s name.

It’s important to remain vigilant with your passwords and change them frequently, so you can be assured that your online accounts are protected from unauthorised access.

All passwords should be at least 8 characters in length and include a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

Additionally, the best password management is when each user has a unique password that is not shared with anyone else in the organisation.

Remember, a strong password can potentially save you from identity theft, loss of data, and other online disasters.

Avoid simple, easy-to-guess passwords

We’ve all seen the articles about the most used passwords being ‘password’ or ‘1234567’ – but make sure your passwords aren’t something cyber criminals can easily find on your social media or from your job title.

Default Passwords

Make sure you change your default passwords as soon as you can. Devices and software should also be checked regularly to see if the default passwords have been updated.

10. Secure Remote Access Points

Remote access points such as VPNs allow employees to securely connect to internal networks when working remotely but they must also be properly secured so they do not become an entry point for attackers seeking access into an organisation’s infrastructure.

Our advice on cyber security for small businesses is that they should ensure that remote access points are configured correctly, use strong encryption protocols, and require multi-factor authentication before granting access.

11. Utilise Firewalls

Firewalls are essential for preventing malicious traffic from entering an organisation’s internal network while allowing legitimate traffic through.

Small businesses should consider investing in hardware firewalls which provide additional protection against external threats compared with traditional software firewalls.

Hardware firewalls also enhance cyber security for small businesses and a greater control over what types of traffic are allowed through their networks, helping them better protect their assets from potential attackers.

Restrict Downloads

Make sure your staff can’t download suspicious apps from third-party sources on both desktops and mobile devices.

Your employees should only have access to tools they require for their role, anything else will need to be approved by an administrator before it can be downloaded.

12. Use Encryption Technologies

Another important cyber security tip for small businesses is the use of encryption. Encryption technologies such as SSL/TLS protocols are essential for protecting sensitive data from being accessed by unauthorized individuals while it is being transmitted over the internet or stored on devices such as laptops or mobile phones.

Small businesses should ensure that any data sent over public networks is encrypted using strong encryption algorithms so that it cannot be intercepted by malicious actors who might attempt to steal it for nefarious purposes.

13. Test Your Defences

Finally, the last cyber security tips and advice for small business is to test their defences. Periodically testing your defences helps ensure any weaknesses in your systems' security are identified and addressed before they are exploited by attackers.

This includes running vulnerability scans with automated tools which look for known weaknesses within applications, operating systems, plugins etc, as well as simulating real-world attacks through penetration testing services which test how well your defences hold up when faced with more sophisticated threats.

Cyber Security Risks and Threats for Small Business

With cyber security advice and tips for small businesses, they should also be aware of the cyber security risks and threats your business can face.

So, let us know what are the potential risks and threats which you should be aware and prepared for while planning your security strategy.

Here are some of the cyber security risks and threats for small business you should be aware of:

1. Phishing

Phishing is one of the most common cyber security risks for small businesses. Phishing attacks are attempts by malicious actors to gain access to sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or bank account details, by posing as a legitimate source.

To protect against phishing attacks, small businesses should educate their staff on how to recognise and avoid phishing emails and other scams.

Additionally, they should have policies in place that require employees to use strong passwords and two-factor authentication for all accounts.

2. Malware

Malware is another type of cyber security threat for small businesses. Malware is malicious software that can be used to gain access to a computer system or steal information without the user's knowledge.

Small businesses should ensure that all computers and devices are running up-to-date anti-malware software and regularly scan for any potential threats.

Additionally, they should have policies in place that restrict the downloading of unauthorised software from the Internet.

3. Data Breaches

Data breaches are another major cyber security risk for small businesses. A data breach occurs when an attacker gains unauthorised access to an organisation’s sensitive data, such as customer records or financial information.

To protect against data breaches, small businesses should ensure that their networks are properly secured with firewalls and encryption technology and regularly monitor for any suspicious activity on their systems.

In addition, they should also have policies in place that require employees to securely store sensitive data and follow best practices when handling customer information.

4. Social Engineering

Another important cyber security threat for small businesses is Social engineering. It is a type of attack where attackers attempt to manipulate people into revealing confidential information or granting them access to restricted systems or networks through deception or manipulation tactics such as phishing emails or phone calls pretending to be from trusted sources like banks or tech support teams.

To protect against social engineering attacks, small businesses should educate their staff on how to recognise these types of scams and train them on how to respond appropriately if they receive one of these requests.

Additionally, they should have policies in place that require employees to verify the identity of anyone requesting confidential information before granting them access or providing them with any sensitive data.

5. Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks

Unsecured Wi-Fi networks can also pose a cyber security risk for small businesses if not properly secured with encryption technology such as WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access).

Without proper encryption measures in place, anyone within range of the network can potentially gain access to it and intercept any unencrypted communications sent over it which could include confidential business data or private customer information stored on connected devices such as laptops or smartphones.

Small businesses should ensure that all Wi-Fi networks used by staff members are properly secured with strong encryption technology and regularly monitor for any suspicious activity on their networks using network monitoring tools such as packet sniffers or IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems).

6. Insider Threats

Insider threats refer to malicious actors who already have authorised access to an organisation’s systems but use this access for malicious purposes such as stealing confidential data or sabotaging operations.

To protect against insider threats, small businesses should implement strict security policies regarding how employee accounts are managed including requiring strong passwords and two-factor authentication measures as well as regularly monitoring employee activities using tools such as user activity monitoring software.

They should also have procedures in place for quickly revoking an employee’s access rights upon termination of employment or if there is suspicion of malicious activity.

7. Outdated Software

Outdated software can also pose a security risk for small businesses since older versions may contain known vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit to gain unauthorised access.

To protect against these cyber security risks for small businesses, they should ensure that all computers and devices used by staff members are running up-to-date versions of operating systems and applications.

Additionally, they should have procedures in place for regularly patching any known vulnerabilities discovered in installed software packages.

Cyber Security Training for Small Businesses in UK

Aztech can help you and your business plan for the risk and threat of cyber security – we can protect your assets and help you reduce downtime so you can recover quickly if your business suffers a cyber-attack or natural disaster.

Business continuity and disaster recovery isn’t just for cyber security, it’s to ensure your business can continue no matter what happens.

Also, Aztech provides cyber security training for small businesses in the UK so that your employees can be aware of the potential cyber security risks and treat and protect your business.

If you’d like to find out more about what you could be doing to protect your business’s future, get in touch today and we’ll be happy to help.