Google probably has an army of cybersecurity experts, maybe even nine 18-wheelers worth. But let’s face it, small businesses don’t always have the know-how or the big bucks to stay secure. It’s just how the cookie crumbles. But fear not, because we’ve got your back with some kickass cybersecurity best practices for small businesses. These gems will tighten up your security without making your accountant weep uncontrollably.
Feeling a Bit Lost? We’ve Got You Covered
No worries if you’re scratching your head and wondering where to start. The first step is to identify the precious vaults where your sensitive data resides. And we’re not just talking about your personal info, like your bank account number or the size of your inseam (yeah, we know it’s none of our business). Sensitive data comes in all shapes and sizes, depending on its nature and context. Feast your eyes on the nuggets of wisdom below:
| What Sensitive Data Can Look Like |
| Data must be kept private for compliance, privacy, or commercially sensitive reasons, such as intellectual property or contracts. Data for normal business operations such as emails and important files, must be kept accessible to people who need it, but safe from people who don’t. Data that mustn’t be changed by unauthorized people e.g., nuclear warhead codes. |
Once you’ve identified your sensitive data, find out where it’s stored and used. You’ll no doubt discover it’s scattered around like confetti:
- On mobile devices like tablets, laptops, and smartphones.
- In the cloud, if you use SAAS.
- On USBs and external hard drives.
- On file servers, probably in Moldova.
Protecting sensitive data is cybersecurity’s main reason for living. Once you’ve established what data you have and where it is, it’s time to protect it. So now it’s time to take a peek at our top three cybersecurity best practices with more bang for your doubloons. It’s a joyous mix that keeps you and your data happy, safe, and secure.
1. Use Mobile Device Management (MDM)
MDM is an unbreakable piñata that’s stuffed to the back teeth with data security protection. For cybersecurity best practices for small businesses, it’s a super-cost-effective way of managing data security across a fleet of devices. Just look at these cool data security services and configurations that MDM provides:
| Inside the Piñata: MDM’s Supersweet Data Security Features! | |
| Remote Lock and Wipe | In case one of your team’s devices is lost or stolen, MDM comes to the rescue. It can track, lock, and wipe the device clean. Pretty neat, right? |
| Encryption | Keep your data safe and sound with automated data encryption. By making it unreadable to anyone without a password or recovery key, you’re the only one who gets to unlock it. |
| Controlled Access | Safeguard your sensitive data by controlling who can access it. With MDM, you can grant data access based on roles and permissions, ensuring that only authorized individuals can get their hands on it. It also prevents devices from connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks. |
| Web Filtering | Whether you already have web content filtering software or not, MDM offers an easy way to block or allow access to websites and apps. Say goodbye to questionable sites and pesky pop-ups, reducing the risk of cyber attacks. |
| Enforced Updates | Outdated operating systems are like open invitations to hackers. MDM allows you to push OS updates and passcodes, ensuring that every device in your fleet stays up-to-date and secure. |
| Automated Backups | Protect your critical data from potential disasters by automating backups. Ransomware attacks, computer failures, or cloud outages won’t wipe away your valuable information. MDM takes care of backups seamlessly, so you can focus on other things. Remember to deploy automated backups for anything not covered by MDM! |
2. Secure Your Network
While we’re not suggesting barbed wire and attack dogs (although it might be tempting), it’s crucial to fortify your network against a variety of cyber threats. Here are a few steps to take when implementing cybersecurity best practices for small businesses:
Installing A Firewall
Safeguard your network with a firewall that monitors incoming and outgoing traffic. Our recommended choice for small businesses is a Layer 7 firewall, which examines application-based data packets, providing enhanced security.
Using The Most Up-To-Date Wireless Access Points
Secure your wireless local area network by using the latest security standards and encryption technologies. Ensure your Wireless Access Point (WAP) complies with the current IEEE standard 802.11. (Ahem, we’ll help you check this).
Implementing Physical Security
Protect your network cupboard or server room with controlled access doors and multi-layer security measures. Also, make sure the physical conditions, such as temperature, are appropriately maintained.
3. Use Cloud Single Sign On (Cloud SSO)
Cloud SSO is a web application that stands between your employee and all your business cloud accounts like Slack or PayPal. It’s a single point of access that dispenses with the need for multiple passwords and usernames (a security nightmare) and creates a strong front door to your business applications. Your strong front door includes multi-factor authentication, a strong audit trail, and permission-based access. Doesn’t that make you go “Ahh, that’s better,”?
Cybersecurity Best Practices For Small Businesses Don’t Need To Hurt Much
These are just a few essential cybersecurity best practices for small businesses (and big ones too!). Embarking on your cybersecurity journey might seem daunting, but we’re here to make it manageable. If you need guidance on getting started, give us a call. We’re more than happy to help.
Ignition is Silicon Valley’s best (and friendliest) IT security, compliance, and support team. Contact us now – chatting about IT support and cybersecurity is our favorite thing to do!