Cyber security is a top concern for small businesses of all sizes. In 2022, small businesses were the target of 61% of cyber attacks, and the average cost of a data breach for a small business was $17,500.
There are a number of security hacks that small businesses can use to protect themselves from cyber attacks. These hacks include using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, keeping software up to date, being careful what you click on, using a firewall, backing up your data, and educating your employees.
Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication
One of the most important security hacks for small businesses is to use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Strong passwords should be at least 15 characters long and include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to enter a code from their phone in addition to their password.
Keeping Software Up to Date
Software updates often include security patches that can help to protect your business from vulnerabilities. It is important to keep your software up to date, including your operating system, web browser, and any other software that you use.
Being Careful What You Click on
Phishing emails are one of the most common ways that hackers gain access to businesses’ data. Phishing emails are emails that appear to be from a legitimate source, but they are actually from a hacker. These emails often contain links or attachments that, when clicked, can install malware on your computer or steal your personal information.
It is important to be careful what you click on in emails. If you are not sure if an email is legitimate, do not click on any links or attachments. Instead, you can hover over the link to see the URL. If the URL does not look legitimate, do not click on it.
Using a Firewall
A firewall is a hardware or software device that helps to protect your computer or network from unauthorized access. Firewalls can block incoming traffic that is not from a trusted source.
Backing Up Your Data
It is important to back up your data regularly in case of a cyber attack. This will help you to recover your data if it is lost or stolen.
Educating Your Employees
Your employees are your first line of defense against cyber attacks. It is important to educate them about cyber security risks and how to protect themselves. This includes teaching them about phishing emails, strong passwords, and other security measures.
Additional Tips
In addition to the tips listed above, here are some additional security hacks for small businesses:
- Use a secure web hosting provider : When choosing a web hosting provider, it is important to choose one that has a good reputation for security. You can check a web hosting provider’s security by looking at their security features, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and data encryption. You can also read reviews of the web hosting provider to see what other customers have said about their security.
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when connecting to public Wi-Fi : When you connect to public Wi-Fi, your data is not as secure as it is when you connect to a private network. This is because public Wi-Fi networks are often not encrypted, which means that hackers can easily intercept your data. A VPN can help to protect your data when you connect to public Wi-Fi by encrypting your traffic.
- Be aware of the latest cyber security threats : It is important to be aware of the latest cyber security threats so that you can take steps to protect yourself. You can stay up-to-date on the latest cyber security threats by reading security blogs, following security experts on social media, and subscribing to security newsletters.
- Stay up-to-date on the latest security patches : Software developers often release security patches to fix vulnerabilities in their software. It is important to install these security patches as soon as they are released to protect your computer from cyber attacks. You can check for security patches by going to the website of the software developer and looking for the “Security Updates” section.
Cyber security is a complex issue, but there are a number of security hacks that small businesses can use to protect themselves from cyber attacks. By following the tips in this blog post, you can help to keep your business safe.
