Around 43 percent of cyber attacks target small and medium businesses (SMBs), yet only 14 percent in this group have the proper protection to tackle these threats.
It’s why small business cybersecurity is more crucial than ever. Often smaller businesses lack resources and leave themselves more vulnerable to risk, but there are simple, easy-to-implement ways to improve protection against cyber attacks.
Measures like data encryption for small businesses are necessary to ensure SMBs thrive despite the evolving tactics of cybercriminals.
So if you’re looking to step up your security, here are seven encryption tips that are perfect for small and medium businesses.
1. Small business cybersecurity risk assessments
Any business needs to know the potential risks that might compromise the security of their systems before they can put any added measures in place.
By analyzing any cyber threats, you can put a plan in place to minimize the risks and ensure a lower chance of a breach.
However, this cannot be conducted just once, it needs to be done on a regular basis.
Whenever systems update or your company’s changed the way information and storage are used, you’ll need to determine the risk levels again. By doing this, you’re guaranteed the highest level of protection for your data.
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2. Invest in a strong IT solution
Data encryption for small businesses is an in-depth topic and one you shouldn’t try to manage alone. A strong IT solution is ideal to ensure all systems are protected and to minimize risks as much as possible.
An option if you can’t stretch to an in-house solution, is to outsource a solution for monitoring and protection. It often involves a relatively low monthly fee and ensures you are covered and your cyber security doesn’t become an afterthought.
3. Consider a VPN to help data encryption for small businesses
A virtual private network (VPN) is a secure network that protects your data and those accessing it from security threats.
Larger corporations often opt to create their own company VPN, but there is a more affordable way that smaller businesses can enjoy this level of security.
Subscription-based VPNs are a lower-cost type of network that you can implement to receive benefits like secure connections and file encryption while important information is on the move.
The encryption process means data is converted into an indecipherable code and ensures only those with the key can decrypt and access your company’s confidential information.
This particularly works for remote workers, as they don’t have to use public networks which are vulnerable.
4. Make sure your company WiFi is WPA2
Another encryption tip for SMBs is to avoid Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) WiFi connections.
This form of WiFi does not protect your data from threats and should never be used to access company data or networks.
Instead, you should use WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), a form of encryption for WiFi connections.
This offers an added layer of protection, so you can access company information knowing that your WiFi is working hard to protect your business.
5. Adopt end to end encrypted payments
End-to-end encrypted payment adds security to your business transactions and minimises the risk of fraud.
You can establish this standard for payment by working with Europay, Mastercard, and Visa (EMV) payment methods.
These organizations came together to introduce a new standard for payment security in 2015. EMV is now the payment security standard across the globe when it comes to chip-based transactions through debit and credit cards.
Set a protocol to ensure all your business payments comply with EMV standards to remove the worry of risk when it comes to your transactions.
6. Build small business cybersecurity into all devices
Your employees likely use a whole variety of devices to do their job, whether laptops, phones, laptops, or tablets.
Make sure you extend all your security procedures to all devices to avoid vulnerability.
That means data encryption, software updates, and password management for all devices, no excuses. This should be obligatory.
7. Install firewalls and virus protection
There are some simple measures you can take that don’t involve constant monitoring and are easy wins when it comes to cyber security.
Installing a firewall should be one of the first things you do, along with installing protection software against viruses, malware, and spyware.
With someone in charge of running regular checks and updating software as needed, you have strong protection with comparatively little effort.
The easiest way to implement encryption
Encryption should be a priority for any SMB, and these seven tips will help you get started today.
Receive support with small business cybersecurity from Sealit, with simple but powerful solutions that work to protect data so you can grow with confidence.
Reach out to learn more and discover our easy-to-implement encryption solutions.