A woman checks her laptop for security concerns, showing one way to protect your small business from cyber-attacks

In today’s digital age, every business is a potential target for hackers. Small businesses are often even more vulnerable due to limited resources and cybersecurity knowledge. But by following these steps, you can safeguard your digital assets and protect your business from cyberattacks.

  1. Be aware of the latest threats. Cyberattacks come in many forms, including phishing attacks, ransomware, and malware, and hackers often change their tactics to try and trick unsuspecting victims. Be aware of the different types of cyberattacks to prevent one from compromising your business’s data:
    • Phishing involves deceptive emails or messages designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information
    • Ransomware locks your files until you pay a ransom fee
    • Malware, which includes viruses and spyware, can steal, or destroy your data
  2. Educate your team. Your employees are your first line of defence, so regularly train them on the basics of cybersecurity, such as recognizing suspicious emails and avoiding questionable links. Create a cybersecurity plan with your entire company and include details like who to contact in case of a breach, steps to contain the threat, and how to recover data. Regularly review and update this plan with everyone to keep it relevant.
  3. Make sure everything is password protected. Make sure everyone in your organization understands the importance of creating strong, unique passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Additionally, implement two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This extra layer of security requires not only a password and username but also something only the user has on them, such as a physical token or a code sent to their phone.

    Stay one step ahead of cyberattacks and protect your small business’s data by educating your organization on the latest threats, setting up two-factor authentication whenever possible, and frequently updating your computer software.

  4. Frequently update your software. Hackers often take advantage of vulnerabilities in outdated software. Regularly update your operating systems, applications, firewalls, and antivirus software, or turn on automatic updates so you’re always protected.
  5. Backup your data. In the event of a cyberattack, you could lose all your business data overnight. Scary, right? Regularly back up your data so you can recover it quickly in case of an attack. Use both local (external hard drives) and cloud-based backup solutions and schedule these backups to happen automatically to make sure they’re consistent.

Stay aware of threats, continue to learn, and regularly update your security measures to help protect your business from ever-evolving cyber threats. For even more guidance, contact your licensed insurance broker to see how your business insurance could cover you in the event of a cyberattack and privacy breach.

Did you know cybersecurity threats and identity theft can also happen at home? Learn how to spot phishing scams and protect your personal information from hackers.

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