As more and more businesses move online, the threat of cyberattacks becomes greater. Businesses are especially vulnerable, as they often lack the resources to invest in robust security measures. According to a recent report by Forbes, cybercrime costs businesses more than $6.9 billion every year in the United States, and just 43% of firms feel financially prepared to confront a cyber-attack by 2022.
If you don’t want to be a part of that statistic, you must take steps to protect your business from cyber-attacks. Here are some of the best ways to avoid hackers and other online threats.
Educate yourself and your employees about cybersecurity risks.
Awareness is critical when it comes to cybersecurity. If you and your employees don’t know about the risks, you can’t take steps to protect yourself. So, educate yourself on the subject, and then pass that knowledge on to your team. Understanding the most common threats can make a big difference in your ability to avoid them.
Make sure everyone knows what phishing is, how to spot a scam email, and what to do if they think they’ve received one. Also, teach everyone to never click on links or download attachments from unknown senders. These practices can help you avoid a lot of headaches down the road.
Many resources are available to help you educate yourself and your team on cybersecurity risks. The SBA has a cyber-security guide for small businesses, and the FTC offers resources on everything from data security to avoiding scams. Whichever resources you choose, what matters most is that you make cybersecurity education a priority. It’s crucial knowledge that will pay off in the long run.
Invest in security measures.
Many businesses make the mistake of thinking they’re too small to be a target. But cybercriminals don’t discriminate—they will attack any business they believe they can get away with. No matter the size of your company, you need to take cybersecurity seriously.
Besides, small businesses are often easier targets than larger ones, as they pass the buck regarding security measures. They may not have the budget for robust security solutions or think their data isn’t valuable enough to warrant protection. But cybercriminals will take whatever they can get, and the damage caused by an attack can be catastrophic for a small business.
That’s why you need to invest in security measures even if you’re on a tight budget. You can start with a risk assessment to identify where your company is most vulnerable. Then, put some funds towards solutions that will address those vulnerabilities. Some basic security measures include installing firewalls, using anti-virus software, and encrypting data.
Typically, these solutions cost around $100-$400 a year. It’s a high cost, but they’re worth the investment instead of losing customers, damaging your reputation, and paying hefty fines. So, take the necessary steps to protect your business—it will pay off in the long run.
Consider an insurance plan.
Even with the best security measures, there’s always a chance your business could get attacked. That’s why it’s so important to have a response plan ready in an emergency. A business insurance policy can help you cover the costs associated with an attack, such as recovery expenses, legal fees, and lost business income.
Different types of cyber insurance policies are available, so you’ll need to research to find the right one for your business. But it’s worth the effort, as this insurance can provide much-needed financial protection in an attack.
However, there may be times when your insurance policy doesn’t cover the entire cost of an attack. In that case, you can seek the support of an experienced insurance attorney. They can help you file a claim and get the compensation you deserve. When you have a knowledgeable attorney by your side, you can rest assured that you’re taking the best possible steps to protect your business.
Stay up-to-date on trends.
Although you’ve taken all the necessary steps to protect your business, there’s always room for improvement. It’s essential to stay up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity trends. This way, you can ensure your security solutions are as effective as possible.
One of the best ways to stay informed is to follow industry news sources. They can provide insights into the latest threats and how to protect against them. Many of these sources also offer tips on what businesses should do in the event of an attack.
By staying up-to-date, you can keep your business one step ahead of the criminals. Thus, you can avoid the hassle and expense of dealing with an attack.
Cyberattacks are becoming more common, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a victim. By taking the above steps, you can protect your business from online threats. Cybersecurity is an ongoing process, but it’s well worth the investment. So, ensure you take the necessary steps to keep your business safe. It’s one of the best ways to protect your livelihood.