Small Business Cybersecurity

Cyber Security

Cybersecurity Is Essential

We’d all like to believe we’ll never be impacted by cybercrime. The truth, however, is quite the opposite:

  • 60% of targeted cyber-attacks hit small and medium sized businesses.
  • Nearly 60% of small businesses will be forced to close within 6 months of being a victim of cybercrime.

Cybersecurity can seem overwhelming, especially when you’re implementing security procedures for the first time. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be.  Here are a few tips to help establish a base level of security for your business.

Tips To Protect Your Business

  • Use Strong Passwords: Require strong passwords (those that contain a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols) that must be changed after a set period time (such as every 6 months) Test your password strength.
  • Email Security: Educate your staff on safe email habits, such as not downloading attachments or clicking on links sent from unknown senders. Have programs in place to block spam, viruses, malware and phishing attempts.
  • Web Security: Web filtering services can prevent your employees from visiting sites that are often sources of malware infections. However, educating them on how to recognize a fake URL is even more crucial.
  • Backup: Frequently back up company data to multiple locations. If you lose access to data you will be able to restore from one of your backups.
  • Employee training: Training employees to identify and avoid risks while using your company network.
  

Story From CBS News

CBS's Anna Werner visited Maine to share a warning from a business that became the target of a sophisticated spoofed website scam. 
 
Key Bank office in Maine where they were a victim of fraud (thumbnail for video clip)