Cyber Security in Six Easy Steps: Protect Your Computer and Your Business

Virtually every small business retains customer lists, credit card information, and employee records on their computers, all of which are prime targets for online fraud, identity theft, and other security breaches. The fact is that small business is just as vulnerable as big business to cyber attacks.

 

To manage this security challenge, the U.S. Chamber recently published a small business guide illustrating issues of cyber security with specific examples that involve small business. Some of the issues have been discussed before in Tech Tools, but never have they been compiled in one handy booklet. The following are some useful tips found in the Chamber’s Common Sense Guide to Cyber Security for Small Business.

 

Use Strong Passwords. Combine letters, numbers, and symbols that will be impossible for someone to guess. Also, change your password often and avoid using words in the dictionary. Perhaps, most importantly, don’t write down your password. Make sure your secret stays secret.

 

Limit Access. Only allow employees to see customer lists, account information, and records on a need-to-know basis. Have your system administrator or network consultant restrict employee permissions depending on his or her responsibilities.

 

Install Anti-Virus Software. Make sure that anti-virus software has been installed on every business computer. Pernicious programs spread like wildfire over e-mail, and virus protection is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.

 

Update Software. Virus programs are only effective if they are updated regularly with new virus definitions that protect against newly released viruses. And programmers add patches to software to close security vulnerabilities. Your cyber security depends on taking advantage of these updates.

 

Back Up Important Files. It sounds obvious. But very few companies take the time to back up files that are essential to their business. Not only will having a backup protect you from malicious hackers, but it will mitigate damage from office floods and other disasters. Back up files regularly, and store them in a safe place off-site.

 

Get Insurance. Make sure you’re protected in the event of a cyber attack, power outage, flood, or major storm. If computers are an essential part of your business, the financial brunt of a serious disaster could put your business under. So be prepared by insuring your electronic infrastructure.

 

For more tips and detailed explanations, go to www.cyberpartnership.org to sign up for a free copy of Common Sense Guide to Cyber Security for Small Business.