If your business-critical data is not properly secured and protected, you're leaving yourself vulnerable to more than just the potential for data loss. Without a cybersecurity plan in place, companies will lose money either in the form of "hard" costs, like fines levied for non-compliance, or "soft" costs in missed business opportunities due to downtime or bad PR after a cyber breach. An effective defense strategy can minimize these costs and your risk by ensuring data is well organized, employees are knowledgeable, and that all of your devices and applications are well protected.
According to a recent SEC report, SMBs are the “principal target” of cyberattacks. Let's change that statistic, use the following checklist to be sure your critical business data is protected:
- Control Access to Computers:
Use key cards or similar security measures to control access to facilities, ensure that employees use strong passwords for laptops and desktops. Administrative privileges should only be given to trusted IT staff. - Know Where Your Data Resides.
Maintaining oversight of business data is an important piece of the security puzzle. The more places data exists, the more likely it is that unauthorized individuals will be able to access it. Avoid "shadow IT" with business-class SaaS applications that allow for corporate control of data. - Protect Your Network and Devices.
a. Implement a password policy that requires strong passwords that expire every 90 days.
b. Implement multi-factor authentication.
c. Deploy firewall, VPN and antivirus technologies to ensure your network and endpoints are not vulnerable to attacks. Ongoing network monitoring should also be considered essential.
d. Encrypt hard drives - Keep Software Up To Date.
It is essential to use up-to-date software products and be vigilant about patch management. Cybercriminals exploit software vulnerabilities using a variety of tactics to gain access to computers and data.
- Create Straightforward Cybersecurity Policies.
Write and distribute a clear set of rules and instructions on cybersecurity practices for employees. This will vary from business to business but may include policies on social media use, bring your own device, authentication requirements, etc.
Backup Your Data.
Daily backups are a requirement to recover from data corruption or loss resulting from security breaches. Consider using a modern data protection tool that takes incremental backups of data periodically throughout the day to prevent data loss.
- Enable Uptime.
Choose a modern data protection solution that enables "instant recovery" of data and applications. Application downtime can significantly impact your business' ability to generate revenue.
- Train Your Employees
Because cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, an ongoing semi-annual training plan should be implemented for all employees. This should include examples of threats, as well as for instructions on security best practices (e.g., lock laptops when away from your desk). Hold employees accountable.
If you'd like to learn more about data backup and business continuity, and how to protect your business from unwanted downtime, cybercriminals, and other spooky threats, or if you would like to schedule a free business IT consultation to see where your company stands and what possibilities are open for your business, call CTTS today: (512) 388-5559
CTTS is a complete technology solution provider and the leading IT Support and Managed Service Provider in the Central Texas area. We're located in Georgetown, TX, but we service all of Central Texas and the surrounding areas, including Round Rock and Austin. Learn more about CTTS today!
By Josh Wilmoth
CEO, Central Texas Technology Solutions