Getting ahead in the world of small business is a lot harder than most people realize. Finding a way to create a competitive advantage is imperative when trying to achieve the level of success you are after. Using the latest and greatest technology is a great way to offer a higher degree of customer service and efficiency.
The more technology you use, the more you will need to think about keeping the data on your network safe. Over 200,000 new malware programs are produced on a daily basis. Since hackers never take a day off, you need to find a way to beat them at their own game.
The best way to do this is by finding the latest virus scan and Network Monitoring solutions. Using these tools can help you avoid data hacks and will give consumers more confidence in your business.
Here are some of the most common cyber-security mistakes you need to avoid as a business owner.
Working with Outdated Software
Most modern businesses use a variety of software programs on a daily basis. These programs are designed to make a company more productive and efficient. However, if your software is not updated on a regular basis, it is only a matter of time before hackers expose this weakness.
Often times, software updates are used to fix security holes that may exist. Leaving these holes in place can act as an invitation for a data hack. If you are having a problem remembering to update your software manually, using cloud-based programs is a good idea. With a cloud-based program, updates will be installed automatically.
Failing to Educate Your Staff About Cyber-Security
In the ever-changing world of cyber-security, having educated employees is a must. If you fail to let your team know about how to keep their information safe online, it will usually result in a data hack occurring.
Thinking a data hack is only something that happens to other businesses is a mistake. Unfortunately, this way of thinking can lead to lots of problems in the future. This is why you need to work with an IT professional to both educate and inform your staff. The time and money invested in this process will be worth it considering how much protection it will offer your sensitive information.
Making a Password Policy is a Must
Usernames and passwords are usually the first line of defense on a business computer network. The passwords chosen by your staff need to be difficult to figure out. This is why you need to establish a password policy that details what needs to be included in the passwords your team creates.
When creating this policy, be sure to put in information about how often the passwords need to be changed. If employees aren’t changing their passwords on a monthly basis, it is only a matter of time until cyber-criminals figure them out. Consulting with an IT professional can help you figure out what needs to be included in your company-wide password policy.
Having a Data Backup is Essential
Collecting data is something most businesses do on a daily basis. Protecting this data from things like network crashes or ransomware attacks is vital. The best way to offer this protection is by creating a cloud-based backup.
With a cloud-based backup, you can rest assured your sensitive information is backed up automatically. When faced with a ransomware attack or network crash, this backup will allow you to wipe your network clean and repopulate it with your important data with ease.
Avoid DIY Cyber-Security
Saving money is something you should be concerned with as a business owner. However, you need to avoid DIY cyber-security to cut corners. Hiring an IT professional is imperative when trying to create a comprehensive security strategy.
