Cyber security checklist for small businesses
Why small businesses need to work on their cyber security now (and how to get started)
Cybercriminals have already stopped putting all their work into the big guys. Small businesses are now the ideal target. why is this? Because they are often just a little less well prepared. No extensive IT department. No 24/7 security monitoring. And often in possession of just enough technology to be vulnerable, but not enough to shield that vulnerability.
Sound familiar? Then this checklist is definitely for you too.
We provide 10 practical tips to help you boost your cyber resilience today. They are practical, proven and specially tailored to the challenges faced by smaller organizations. Good cyber security is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. It’s a prerequisite for doing business safely.
1. First, take a critical look at your current security
A good defence starts with an overview. Do you know where your sensitive data is stored? Who has access to it? What would happen if a laptop went missing or someone walked into the office without ID?
These kinds of fundamental questions form the basis for a secure digital infrastructure.
2. Passwords should not be a weak link
Poor passwords are digital open doors. Make sure your employees use strong, unique passwords. Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) and update passwords regularly. You may also wish to consider additional security measures such as biometrics, badges, or tokens. The more layers of security, the better.
3. Follow your data like a shadow
Data is the beating heart of your business. From customer information to quotations. Map out where your data lives (locally, in the cloud, on mobile devices) and protect it with modern endpoint security. Smart tools recognize threats in real time and intervene automatically.
4. Encrypt everything of value
Ensure that all your data (including data in transit and stored data) is encrypted. This will keep it unreadable, even if it falls into the wrong hands.
5. Don’t assume that the cloud will take care of everything
Although the cloud is convenient, it is not inherently secure. You are still responsible for what happens in your cloud environment. So make sure you secure your accounts, APIs and containers. In short: secure everything.
6. Working from home? Set up a VPN
Working remotely is the new normal. But you don’t want your data travelling with you over unsecured networks in cafés or trains. A VPN encrypts traffic and makes remote access a lot more secure.
7. Updates? Don’t delay — automate them!
Every uninstalled update poses a risk. It’s also one that cyber criminals are actively looking for! Automate updates wherever possible. It’s a small effort that can prevent a lot of misery.
8. Protect every device that connects
Laptops, phones, tablets, even smart printers. Every device is a potential target. Good endpoint security detects and blocks suspicious activity before it does any damage.
9. Know what to do if things go wrong
Your incident response plan is your roadmap for dealing with a hack or data breach. Stay organized and don’t panic. Ensure that everyone knows what to do, and practice this scenario at least once a year.
10. Train your people and repeat this regularly.
Technology helps, but people make the difference. Make sure your team knows what phishing looks like, why they should lock their screen and what ‘zero trust‘ means in practice. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
Can’t quite figure it out?
We are here to help. Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated — as long as you know where to start. If you want to go beyond this checklist, OpenSight can help. We offer everything from risk scans and training sessions to advanced cloud security and real-time monitoring, helping you to grow without worry.
Schedule a no-obligation consultation with our specialists for more information.
