4 Easy Ways to Improve Your Small Businesses Cybersecurity

In today’s technological world, cyber security is an essential aspect of running a business. Without taking the proper precautions to protect your company’s data, you’re leaving yourself open to costly breaches and data loss. These types of disasters are terrible for any business but can be especially harmful to small businesses. Luckily, there are plenty of steps you can take as a small business owner or IT manager to protect your tech. Read on for top tips from RanderCom, the go-to managed IT service in Appleton and Green Bay for small and mid-sized businesses.

Tip #1: Educate your employees about cybersecurity.

Companies must make sure their teams are aware of the threats posed by hackers and understand the importance of being vigilant when it comes to practicing good cybersecurity. Employees should be educated on the ways they can safeguard themselves while handling sensitive information digitally or in person, how to identify phishing attempts, and how to detect malware infections. We recommend signing up for a cybersecurity learning management system like QuickHelp, which will provide your employees with ongoing education that they can complete in minutes. We also recommend communicating weekly with employees on cybersecurity best practices and why each and every employee is essential to protecting the business.

Tip #2: Install a firewall to protect your computer systems from unauthorized access.

Computer systems are more vulnerable than ever to unauthorized access and malicious attacks. To protect data from security breaches, it is absolutely essential to install a firewall on any computer system. A firewall is a network security device that oversees and manages network traffic through predetermined security protocols. It helps identify and block malicious attempts to gain access to a system or its private data, as well as prevent confidential information from being stolen or tampered with. Furthermore, firewalls can often detect potentially suspicious activity early enough that the issue can be addressed proactively before it becomes a major problem. If you’re in the Appleton or Green Bay area and need support with a firewall system, RanderCom is here to help. Contact us today. 

Tip #3: Use strong passwords and change them regularly.

Passwords are one of the most important digital security measures a person can take. The longer and more complex a password is, the more difficult it will be for hackers to crack. Experts suggest taking advantage of all available characters in the character set, not just letters or numbers. By incorporating upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters into a password, it can become much stronger. It’s also essential to change passwords regularly. Furthermore, never use the same password for multiple accounts. Each account should have its own unique combination of characters that isn’t used anywhere else – otherwise, those accounts will be vulnerable to attack if one account gets compromised. Share these tips with your employees and give them plenty of examples and support in crafting strong passwords. Your business will benefit!

Tip #4: Back up your data on a regular basis in case of a cyberattack.

A cyberattack can be devastating for individuals and businesses alike. It can compromise sensitive data, put personal information at risk, and cause irreparable damage to a reputation. When it comes to cyberattacks, prevention is always the best policy, but it’s also wise to have contingencies in place in case one does occur. One of the most important things to do as a precaution is to regularly back up your data. This will ensure that, in the event of an attack, you won’t lose all of your valuable information. Whether you choose an HDD backup drive or cloud storage, making regular backups of your files provides peace of mind while also reducing the impact of a potential attack on yourself or your business. Additionally, efficient backup methods allow you to quickly restore your system if you ever experience an incident with malware or ransomware, helping you get back up and running with minimal disruption. Need help with backups? An expert-managed IT service like RanderCom can help.

Small businesses are increasingly the target of cyberattacks due to their size and, often, their lack of strong security measures. By taking the time to educate your employees about cybersecurity, you can help protect your business from a potential attack. In addition, installing a firewall and using strong passwords can further increase your security. Finally, be sure to back up your data in case of an attack and monitor your online activity for potential threats. RanderCom offers a wide range of services to help small businesses, including business phone systems, surveillance systems, access control, and managed IT services in Appleton, Green Bay, and nearby communities. Call us today to learn more about how we can help keep your business safe from a cyberattack.