Cybersecurity is a problem every business must address, and small businesses, in particular, have to be prepared to protect themselves in the event of a data breach. The right strategies will prevent you from having to shut down after being hacked, and taking the following steps will help protect your small business:

  1. Implement Layered Security

Layered security will allow small businesses to deal with all of the hackers who attempt to take their information. You should never assume you are not in danger of an attack because it can happen to anyone, and you must implement the following layers of security:

System Level Security

This refers to the security of the system you are using and can include a password to access system files. 

Network Level Security

A firewall is generally used to filter network traffic and stop suspicious activity. 

Application Level Security

You need to be careful with the applications you use to run your business and must have safeguards for the internal as well as the client’s side. 

Transmission Level Security

When data travels from network to network, it must be protected. 

  1. Use Multi-Factor Authentication

This will require at least two different forms of user verification to access a program, system or application. A user will have to input their password, after which they will be prompted to enter a code they receive through email or text. This will prevent unauthorized users from gaining access. Additionally, the code or push notifications will alert the user of a potential breach. If you received a notification when you did not initiate a login attempt, you will know your account is vulnerable and will be able to act fast.

  1. Ensure Your Tech Stack Is Configured Properly

Misconfigured systems will become vulnerable, which is why you need to make sure you have the right passwords in place, no software is outdated, and security settings are properly enabled. Passwords should never be left as their system default, and you should check your IT tools regularly to ensure they are working. 

  1. Encrypt Your Data

Encryption uses an algorithm to apply a cipher to your data. This step can authenticate website servers from both the server end and the client end and can also encrypt transferred files between users. Encryption is often a requirement to meet compliance standards, and once your data is encrypted properly, it can only be accessed with an encryption key. 

  1. Have a Breach Plan

Breaches are inevitable because of how much cybercrime has increased, but you can mitigate damage by having a disaster recovery plan in place. This plan should include robust and layered security to prevent cybercriminals from gaining access to an account, and if they do happen to gain access, you will limit the amount of information they can breach. You can also prevent sensitive data from being read or modified, or deleted. Having all the precautions you need in place before an attack will make a world of difference.

Test your backups regularly, establish procedures for immediate action, monitor accounts and support your employees. 

  1. Use Trusted Services

Whether you need to rely on banks, suppliers, credit card processors or another company for support, perform your due diligence to ensure they employ good security practices. This will prevent exposure to risk. 

Conclusion

Do you want to protect your small business from cybercrime? The right measures will ensure success, and you can rely on Point 2 Point Disaster Recovery Inc for help! We offer server cloud backup services and Cloud Disaster Recovery Software and serve clients in the Toronto and Vancouver areas.

Contact us today at (514) 824-0213 to learn more about our services and how we can help your small business!

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