In this article, learn how to take steps to protect your small business's assets and your customers’ information. We'll walk you through five main questions you should ask about your cybersecurity.
Blog
January 28, 2025
New year, new cybersecurity challenges. As we step into 2025, it's time for small business owners to take a hard look at their digital defenses. In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, it's easy to push cybersecurity to the backburner, dismissing it as a concern only for the big guys with big data.
But here's the reality check: cybercriminals don't always discriminate based on company size. In fact, small businesses may be seen as low-hanging fruit - easier targets with fewer resources to defend themselves. It's like leaving your front door unlocked in a neighborhood known for burglaries. You should take steps to protect your assets and your customers’ information.
Ask Yourself These Five Important Questions
1. How Do We Protect Our Data?
Data may include customer records, financial documents, and employee details. Not all data is equally valuable, but understanding what is critical to your business can help guide your security investments:
Data Assessment: Evaluate what data is unique to your business, poses a reputational risk if lost, or could lead to legal penalties.
Encryption: Use encryption for data at rest and in transit. Regularly update encryption keys and store them separately from the data.
Data Backup: Regularly backup data to help ensure that in the event of a ransomware attack or data breach, your business can restore critical information.
2. Who Can Access Our Systems?
Access control and credential management are critical. Only grant permissions to team members who need them. Use unique usernames and passphrases. Weak or stolen credentials are a common entry point for cyber attackers. Track system logs to help you spot unusual activity. Consider implementing:
Passphrase Policy: NIST guidance recommends using longer, memorable passphrases. For example: “correct horse battery staple” is stronger than “P@ssw0rd1!”. Make phrases unique, memorable, and avoid common dictionary words or context-specific terms.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Use 2FA wherever possible to add an extra layer of security.
Password Management: Consider using password management systems to help manage and secure complex passwords
3. Do We Have a Response Plan for Breaches?
Even with robust security measures, breaches can occur. Having a plan in place is essential. This plan should detail how you identify an attack, contain the damage, recover systems. It should also explain when to notify customers and law enforcement. Test your plan so that every team member understands their role if a breach happens.
4. Is Our Team Educated About Cyber Threats?
Phishing attacks often use fake login pages or social engineering to steal credentials and session tokens, even without requiring password entry. Today’s attacks frequently target stored browser credentials and authentication sessions rather than passwords alone.
Employees often form the first line of defense against these scams. In fact, employees of small businesses experience 350% more social engineering attacks than those in larger enterprises. Provide user education sessions that detail common threats. This should cover spotting phishing emails, safer internet practices, avoiding suspicious downloads, and the use of strong credential management.
5. Are We Prepared for Any Device Risks?
Laptops, smartphones, and tablets that connect to your network are a potential entry point for malware. Use device encryption and keep operating systems updated. If an employee device is lost or stolen, have a mechanism to wipe it remotely. Set clear guidelines on which devices can access company data. Consider:
Endpoint Security: Use Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions. EDR provides comprehensive protection including antivirus capabilities plus advanced threat detection, investigation, and response features for modern security threats.
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): For remote workers, use modern ZTNA solutions which provide encrypted connections and cloud-based security features. These tools, like Zscaler, Netscope, or Tailscale, usually offer VPN functionality plus additional protections such as threat prevention at the cloud level before malicious content reaches your device.
Taking these questions seriously helps you build a solid cybersecurity foundation. Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. Regularly reassess your practices and adapt to the evolving threat landscape to help keep your business safe and secure. By staying aware and prepared, you can manage the risks and keep moving forward with confidence.
Cybercriminals don't always discriminate based on company size.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of a Trusted Cybersecurity + IT Partner
We know that tackling cybersecurity can be daunting, especially for small businesses with limited resources. That's where Acrisure Cyber Services can help. We specialize in empowering small businesses like yours to confidently navigate the complex world of digital threats.
From comprehensive risk assessments and engaging cyber awareness training, to reliable data backup, advanced protection measures, and round-the-clock managed detection and response, our team of seasoned professionals is here to guide you at every turn. We'll collaborate closely with you to craft a tailored cybersecurity and IT strategy that aligns precisely with your unique needs and budget.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you safeguard your digital assets and thrive in the face of ever-evolving cyber threats.
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