Cyber Security Threats & Small Businesses: How to Maintain Business Continuity

In my experience as a business coach, I’ve found that very few small business owners take adequate steps to protect their businesses from cybercrime, privacy breaches, or business interruptions caused by poor data security. However, business owners must be aware of the many cybersecurity threats facing small businesses.

Security breaches can jeopardize your business by leaking sensitive information, draining funds, and eroding trust between your brand and customers. Here’s what you need to know to avoid cybersecurity threats for small businesses.

Cybersecurity Risks for Small Businesses

While the scope of cybersecurity is vast and complex, there are a few recurring trends in the risks facing small businesses. Here are some of the most common cybersecurity threats for small businesses:

• Phishing is when a scammer impersonates a legitimate person or organization to obtain information, such as by pretending to be from the IRS and tricking someone into revealing their Social Security number.
• Insecure Passwords: Too many people use something simple like “password” as a password. It’s straightforward for hackers to guess. Passwords should include letters, numbers, and symbols for maximum security.
• Malware: Malware is software designed to harm. It’s often embedded in legitimate-looking downloads that employees might accidentally click. Once downloaded, the virus inside can wreak havoc on your system.
• Employee Action: Unfortunately, it’s common for unhappy employees to sabotage their employers by leaking information or accessing files that should be off-limits.

Small Business Cybersecurity

Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself from many types of cybercrime. Here’s what you need to know to counter most major cybersecurity threats for small businesses:

1. Invest in antivirus software. Proper computer security for small businesses can go a long way. A good antivirus program can detect malicious links, files, and websites before you or your teammates click on them.
2. Educate your employees. Some phishing scams can look incredibly convincing. Educate your employees on how to avoid falling for email scams and avoid downloading suspicious files. Have a plan to contain a virus if one is downloaded accidentally. When in doubt, ask an IT expert before clicking a link.
3. Safeguard your information. Don’t keep your passwords in a file that anyone can access. Instead, consider using password management software such as LastPass to encrypt your passwords while still providing your employees with access to the accounts they need. Also, don’t store sensitive information, such as customer credit card numbers, where others can access it.
4. Maintain administrative access. You should always be able to access your employee accounts and revoke access when an employee leaves. For example, if an employee changes their computer password, you still need a way to access their files. No employee should be able to access their work email or change files after they leave your company.

Cybersecurity threats for small businesses are just one of the hazards you’ll encounter while operating your own business. If you need help navigating the leadership landscape, a business coach can help. Sign up for my email list and stay current on my top tips for business leaders. 

Coach Dave