Did you know that the average cyber attack cost a small businesses over $20,000 in 2014? That number is expected to go up when you consider new cyber security threats like ransomware and the impact on how that can damage your business. Productivity stoppage, data recovery, and lost sales opportunities all add up.
Not Knowing the Risks
Ransomware is a form of cyber extortion, and criminals can hold your data for payment. Identity thieves prey on your unprotected client data. Tracing a data breach back to your business can lead to some serious consequences.
Improper Passwords
Multiple people using the same password, especially uncomplicated passwords can lead to quick damage on a grand scale. Avoid using names or birthdays in passwords and secure your client’s data with password updates every 90 days or less.
Security Ignorance
Cyber security can be complex and difficult to understand. You need to get good advice on how to best protect your data, and it’s not always one-size-fits-all. While a firewall, antivirus, and using VPN’s are all important, they might be deployed incorrectly or the devices themselves are vulnerable. Investing in good consulting is key.
Avoiding Updates
The largest and most easily preventable threats are those posed by vulnerabilities that can be easily patched or updated. Getting the latest updates for both your computers AND software is easy and reduces your risk significantly.
No Recovery Testing
You need a business continuity plan for recovery from a cyber disaster. You might already have backups, and that’s an excellent start, but when did you test that backup? Some people go for years with a backup scheme and only find out later that the backups were never even working. Test your plans regularly.
Insecure Business Operations
You should have a cyber security policy for employees and managers to follow. You can get some sample plans from here: http://www.fcc.gov/cyberplanner Did also you know there’s cyber security insurance? Protect yourself from costly damages with an insurance update.
Stewart and Son Computer Services offers free business security assessments for your business. Get an appointment to start down the road of what you need to do to protect your business.
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