Broadband and information technology are powerful factors in small businesses reaching new markets and increasing productivity and efficiency. However, businesses need a cybersecurity strategy to protect their own business, their customers, and their data from growing cybersecurity threats.

1. Train employees in security principles

Establish basic security practices and policies for employees, such as requiring strong passwords, and establish appropriate Internet use guidelines that detail penalties for violating company cybersecurity policies. Establish rules of behavior describing how to handle and protect customer information and other vital data.

2. Protect information, computers, and networks from cyber attacks

Keep clean machines: having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Set antivirus software to run a scan after each update. Install other key software updates as soon as they are available.

3. Provide firewall security for your Internet connection

A firewall is a set of related programs that prevent outsiders from accessing data on a private network. Make sure the operating system’s firewall is enabled or install free firewall software available online. If employees work from home, ensure that their home system(s) are protected by a firewall.

4. Create a mobile device action plan

Mobile devices can create significant security and management challenges, especially if they hold confidential information or can access the corporate network. Require users to password-protect their devices, encrypt their data, and install security apps to prevent criminals from stealing information while the phone is on public networks. Be sure to set reporting procedures for lost or stolen equipment.

5. Make backup copies of important business data and information

Regularly backup the data on all computers. Critical data includes word processing documents, electronic spreadsheets, databases, financial files, human resources files, and accounts receivable/payable files. Backup data automatically if possible, or at least weekly and store the copies either offsite or in the cloud.

6. Control physical access to your computers and create user accounts for each employee

Prevent access or use of business computers by unauthorized individuals. Laptops can be particularly easy targets for theft or can be lost, so lock them up when unattended. Make sure a separate user account is created for each employee and require strong passwords. Administrative privileges should only be given to trusted IT staff and key personnel.

7. Secure your Wi-Fi networks

If you have a Wi-Fi network for your workplace, make sure it is secure, encrypted, and hidden. To hide your Wi-Fi network, set up your wireless access point or router, so it does not broadcast the network name, known as the Service Set Identifier (SSID). Password protect access to the router.

8. Employ best practices on payment cards

Work with banks or processors to ensure the most trusted and validated tools and anti-fraud services are being used. You may also have additional security obligations pursuant to agreements with your bank or processor. Isolate payment systems from other, less secure programs and don’t use the same computer to process payments and surf the Internet.

9. Limit employee access to data and information, limit authority to install software

Do not provide any one employee with access to all data systems. Employees should only be given access to the specific data systems that they need for their jobs, and should not be able to install any software without permission.

10. Passwords and authentication

Require employees to use unique passwords and change passwords every three months. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication that requires additional information beyond a password to gain entry. Check with your vendors that handle sensitive data, especially financial institutions, to see if they offer multi-factor authentication for your account.

Cybersecurity Resources for Small Businesses

• What Small Business Owners Need to Know About Cybersecurity, Entrepreneur MagazineOpens a New Window.
• 3 Biggest Cybersecurity Threats Facing Small Businesses Right Now, Entrepreneur MagazineOpens a New Window.
• Free training materials, security configuration guides from Internet Security AllianceOpens a New Window.
• Symantec Security Solutions for Small BusinessOpens a New Window.
• McAfee Security Solutions for Small BusinessOpens a New Window.
• Microsoft Cybersecurity Tips and Technology for Small BusinessesOpens a New Window.
• Small Business Solutions from StopBadwareOpens a New Window.
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce Internet Security Essentials for Businesses 2.0Opens a New Window.
• FICO and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Assessment of Cyber Security Risk ReportOpens a New Window.
• FICO Cyber Risk Assessment ScoreOpens a New Window.
• “Small Business Big Threat” from the Michigan Small Business Development CorporationOpens a New Window.

U.S. Government Resources and Activities

Cybersecurity is one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face as a nation, but one that we as a government or as a country are not adequately prepared to counter. Read about the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative.

• NIST briefing on Cybersecurity for Small Businesses
• SBA, NIST and FBI partnership on Cybersecurity for small businesses
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Identity Theft Information
• FTC Cybersecurity for Small Business
• NIST Computer Security Resource Center – Small & Medium Businesses (SMB)
• NIST Small Business Information Security: The Fundamentals
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cyber Security Resources
• DHS testimony before the House on Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies
• NIH Free Online User Training (non-DOD version)
• National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) Small & Medium Sized Business ResourcesOpens a New Window.
• NCSA Free online security checkupsOpens a New Window.
• SBA Small Business Technology Coalition
• NCSA & SBA Small Business ResourcesOpens a New Window.
• Cybercrime Support NetworkOpens a New Window.

Related Information

• FCC Cybersecurity Roundtable: Protecting Small Businesses
• SCORE – How to Protect Your Small Business from a Cyber AttackOpens a New Window.
• SCORE – Small Business Cybersecurity Preparedness 101 (Webinar)Opens a New Window.
• SCORE – Internet Security Challenges for Small Business (Webinar)Opens a New Window.
• National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education

Would you like to know how Scurit can help your SMB with cybersecurity? Contact Us!