If you’re a small business owner without an IT department, staying on top of your company’s technology needs can seem overwhelming. Don’t panic! Here are a few simple ways to make sure your small business keeps running smoothly and stays safe from cyberattacks.
1. Hire an IT support team
If you don’t have a dedicated IT support team, at least hire an outsourced one that can be on call when you need them. This will help ensure your technology stays safe from cyberattacks and is efficiently managed. An IT support team can help you with a managed IT service, which will take care of all your IT needs remotely. Additionally, they can also provide on-site support when needed. If a computer crash or a cyberattack does happen, and you don’t have an IT support team, it could put your small business at risk. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing there’s someone you can rely on to help you when needed. It’s worth the investment to have an IT support team in place!
2. Keep your software up to date
One of the best ways to protect your technology from cyberattacks is to make sure your software is always up to date. Most software providers release updates regularly, and you must download these as soon as they’re released. This will ensure that any security vulnerabilities are patched right away, keeping you safe from hackers who might target your system for an attack. Additionally, keeping your software up to date will ensure that you’re always taking advantage of any new features and improvements the developers have made. If you need help keeping your software up to date, an IT support team can help with this as well. It’s one of the many services they can provide to keep your small business running smoothly.
3. Train your employees on cybersecurity
Your employees are one of your greatest assets, but they can also be one of your biggest risks when it comes to cybersecurity. Make sure you provide training to your employees on how to stay safe online and what to do if they suspect a cyberattack. Additionally, give them access to the resources they need to stay up-to-date on cybersecurity threats, so they can be proactive in keeping your business safe. There are many free online resources available, so there’s no excuse not to train your employees on this important topic. It’s one of the most important things you can do to protect your small business from cyberattacks!
4. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication
One of the simplest things you can do to protect your small business from cyberattacks is to use strong passwords for all your accounts. Hackers are always looking for weak or easily guessed passwords, so make sure yours are strong and unique. Additionally, using two-factor authentication whenever possible will prevent anyone who might accidentally get access to your password from being able to log in without additional verification. This is especially important for any accounts that have sensitive information, such as financial data.
5. Back up your data
Backing up your data is one of the most important things you can do to protect your business from cyberattacks. If you’re ever the victim of a ransomware attack, for example, you’ll be glad you have backups of all your important files. There are many different ways to back up your data, so talk to an IT support team to find the best solution for your business. They can help you set up automatic backups that will run regularly and ensure that all your data is always safe. It’s also a good idea to keep backups in a safe off-site location, just in case something happens to your primary location.
6. Keep your wireless network secure
If you have a wireless network in your office, make sure it’s properly secured so that any hackers who might access it can’t eavesdrop on your online traffic. This is especially important if you’re using public Wi-Fi networks at coffee shops or other places, as hackers like to set up rogue hotspots with the intent of stealing information from people who connect to them. Use strong passwords and encryption protocols for your wireless network to keep yourself safe when connecting to public networks away from the office.
If you don’t have an IT department, don’t worry. You can still take steps to protect your small business from cyberattacks. Keep your software up to date, train your employees on cybersecurity, use strong passwords and two-factor authentication, back up your data, and keep your wireless network secure. These tips will help you keep your business safe from hackers.
