7 Ways Your Small Business Can Prevent Data Breaches
As a small business, you will have been told all about keeping your customer and company data safe and secure. However, you might not have been made aware not only why, but also how you can do just that. Of course, as a business owner, you don’t have all the time in the world to master cybersecurity, so learning how to do the basics right can make all the difference.
Here at VCI Systems, we help businesses across Berkshire keep their online operations safe and secure. We share our advice with our clients, and now we’re going to share it with you. Below are 7 ways your small business can prevent data breaches.
Why Data Breaches Are a Growing Risk for Small Businesses
A data breach is when an unauthorised person gains access to sensitive information about your business. It can also be an honest human error or accident, but it still counts as a data breach. It is important for businesses to know how to prevent data breaches as they can have some serious consequences, such as monetary loss, decaying trust and downtime.
Use Strong Password Policies & MFA
The first step of protecting business and customer data is by using strong passwords as well as implementing multi-factor authentication. Be sure to encourage your staff to use unique passwords and not to use the same one across too many profiles.
Multifactor authentication, also known as 2-factor authentication, is usually present in the form of the login platform sending a unique code to the user’s phone to prove ownership of the account. For someone trying to breach your account, this can be a huge deterrent.
Keep Software, Devices & Systems Updated
Outdated software, devices and company systems can be a major security vulnerability. These include operating systems that might be integral to running your business. Be sure to keep them updated and save time by implementing auto-update if the feature is available.
Train Employees to Spot Cyber Threats
Human error is one of the leading causes of data breaches, so it is vital you and your staff are trained to spot attempted breaches and phishing attempts. Cybersecurity awareness training should be completed regularly, with test emails sent out to ensure your staff remain vigilant. This is a cost-effective preventative measure that can make all the difference.
Secure Your Network & Wi-Fi Infrastructure
If you work in an environment where you welcome guests to your office and provide WiFI, you should implement a guest wifi network. This means they cannot, whatever their intentions, cause issues with your company network. When accessing company files not on the company network, ensure you use a VPN for encryption.
Control Access to Sensitive Business Data
Within businesses, there is a natural hierarchy, which should also be followed when it comes to access to company documents and data. A newly hired assistant is unlikely to need the same access as the CEO, so be sure they don’t have access until they need it. This can minimise the places where data breaches can occur.
Back Up Data Regularly & Securely
Backups always feel excessive if doing them manually, but the reality is they can save your business when the worst happens. Should your business be breached, these backups of data can ensure your business can continue to operate. Downtime is one of the biggest ramifications of a data breach, so avoid this with regular and automated data backups.
Monitor, Detect & Respond to Threats Early
Monitoring your network for threats before they happen should be a part of every business’s online wheelhouse. There are paid platforms that can do this for you, of which we would recommend you implement, even if you don’t have the largest budget.
Partner with Cybersecurity Experts at VCI Systems
Here at VCI Systems, we help businesses across Berkshire and the UK as a whole keep their online operations safe with bulletproof cybersecurity packages. As IT support experts in Berkshire, we know a thing or two about keeping businesses online and thriving. If you want to find out how your business could benefit from partnering with VCI Systems, please do get in touch.
