SMEs on the Defensive: 5 Cybersecurity Tips to Keep Safe

Small- and medium-sized businesses often operate under the assumption that they’re not the target of cyber criminals.

But if anything, it’s the other way around. Because of their smaller size, SMEs tend to have less sophisticated cybersecurity than enterprise-level companies – leaving them as the low-hanging fruit for the cyber criminals.

If your SME isn’t taking the proper precautions to protect itself online, you’re opening yourself up to an attack that could cripple your business.

This danger can be mitigated with proper precautions in place. These are steps you can take to prevent a cyberattack on your SME.

Have the Basics in Place

First, the foundations have to be strong, without a stone out of place.

This means each computer needs to have an effective antivirus programme and firewalls, with frequent updates to the antivirus and operating systems.

Each password should be a unique, randomly generated password. These should be saved onto a password manager, as a specialised platform to keep all your log-in details safe – don’t save all your passwords on a spreadsheet!

2FA to Protect Sensitive Accounts

Make sure each time an employee logs into any sensitive account, they have to verify their identity using two-factor authentication (2FA), where a log-in has to be verified by an email or text message.

2FA is one of the simplest and yet most effective ways to protect your accounts, as it can deter almost all automated bots as well as most targeted attacks.

It’s a crucial extra layer of protection for important accounts, such as social media accounts where you interact with potential customers or ad accounts where you manage your media budget. 

Have a Back-Up of Your Data

You can also take the extra step to back up your essential data on a regular basis. For example, this could look like setting up an automated sync of your business-critical data onto a safe, cloud-based database.

This way, if you are ever the victim of a ransomware attack, you may be able to rely on your backed up files. Ransomware is a type of malware, specifically designed to steal your files.

It encrypts your files so that you are no longer able to access your own data – until you pay the hackers a ransom, for the return of your sensitive and business-critical data.

By having a ready back-up of your data in place, you could save yourself the hefty price tag of the ransom in the event of a ransomware attack. There is also the possibility of physical threats, such as hardware failure or a fire, and a back-up could be a lifesaver in these circumstances as well.

Train Your Staff Against Phishing

Your employees are your first line of defence against phishing. They need to be treated as such – with proper training in how to detect and avoid phishing scams.

For cyber criminals to make money, they have two options: Either be a brilliant hacker and write a sophisticated malware programme, or simply be a phispher and write an email. If one of your employees clicks on a link in a seemingly innocuous email or text, you could end up with a virus that compromises your computer.

All that’s needed to not be the victim of a phishing scam is to not click on suspicious links. Make sure your employees are fully trained in how to recognise and avoid phishing attacks.

Be Prepared for an Attack

Your business will have a plan in place in case there is a fire in the building – it makes sense to be ready for the event of a cyberattack, too.

For example, a simulated cyberattack is one of the best exercises to prepare your employees and business for the possibility of a hack. Talk with a cybersecurity firm about how a simulation can help you to protect your business.

Take Your Business Digital

With cyberattacks accelerating in the aftermath of the pandemic, it’s now more critical than ever to protect your SME.

Step into the digital world by beefing up your cybersecurity protection systems. If you’re looking for more ways to digitise your business, also take a look at our direct debit management systems.

If your business offers custom subscription plans, Payleadr is the easiest way for your customers to set up their regular, recurring payments. Streamline your business with Payleadr and protect it with cybersecurity.