Given how much hard work and dedication goes into maintaining the average small business, it is only natural that owners would do everything in their power to keep their company safe. However, because businesses face a number of threats – from cyber attacks to breaches – this can strike many business owners as a daunting task. While it is true that you need to put some effort into the security front, keeping your business safe from a wide range of threats is a lot easier than you might think. To protect your small business from evolving threats, put these tips to good use.
Advise Not to Use Work Release Devices for Personal Purposes
Nearly every member of the workforce has used a company-issued device for private use at one time or another. Whether it is updating social media accounts, checking personal e-mail, or browsing the web, likelihood is that you have been using the devices mentioned above for non-work purposes. However, while often harmless, it also increases the chances of these devices falling victim to viruses, malware and other cyber threats. Any time a work device is used for private purposes is another opportunity for cyberthreats to take hold.
With this in mind, consider recommending that your employees don’t use your business devices for non-work purposes. While you may get resistance, it can be one of the best ways to make sure that a business’s computers, smartphones, and other internet-enabled devices are kept safe from a wide range of digital hazards. Even if your employees use certain devices on an everyday basis, it is vital for them to understand that those items do not really belong to them – and should be treated with the utmost care.
Requiring Employees to Always Update the Operating System and Software
To keep pace with virus developers and other cybercriminals, software companies regularly release patches and updates created in response to newly emerging threats. Of course, for these updates to be maximally effective, they need to be installed as quickly as possible. The longer someone keeps it update installation on the backburner, the more vulnerable their device is.
Thus, all employees should be required to install update files for operating systems and applications as soon as they become available. Putting update installations on backburner may appear to be a good idea in the short term, but such a delay could facilitate a number of unintended consequences.
Also, ensure every internet-enabled device in your office is equipped with high-quality antivirus software. Because many modern operating systems include virus-fighting components, people often believe that they no longer need specialised antivirus software. However, rather than considering the aforementioned components as replacements for dedicated antivirus software, you should enable them to work alongside each other.
Secure Your Office Network
Secure your office network is another step you should take to keep cybercriminals at bay. To begin with, ensure the network is password protected. Also, to stop undesirable third parties from guessing your password, avoid using common word and number combinations or entering your business name. Also, take care to change these passwords regularly and prohibit employees from sharing them with anyone outside of the workplace.
You should also change your router’s default login credentials, in addition to your network’s default name. In many cases, the default network name will include the make and model of the router, which can be valuable information for cyber criminals.
Hire Security Guards
If you are attempting to find an effective way to protect the valuable documents and equipment stored in your business, consider asking for help trusted security guard. The right service will provide you with trained guards ready for a wide range of security breach scenarios, keeping your business safe and lifting an exceptional burden off your shoulders.
It’s only natural to want to keep your small business out of harm’s way. After all, you have worked hard to start and sustain this company, and you are not about to see it fall victim to the machinations of criminals or become vulnerable because of an absence of proper security measures. To help ensure your small business stays secure for years to come, feel free to implement the steps discussed above.
