For many small businesses, keeping their data and sensitive information safe from theft and cyber attacks is a challenge. Research tells us that 43% of cyber-attacks are targeted at small businesses, meaning that your data is probably more vulnerable than you realize.
Why do hackers and cyber criminals set their sights on smaller business when it seems like there would be more benefit by hacking into the big guys? The answer is simple, small businesses are often easy targets. Smaller businesses are more likely to think that their data security isn’t at risk, and therefore not put in place a network security system to protect it.
Next, consider that working remotely is more common now than ever before. This means that there’s more chance that your data is being stored, accessed and shared on devices that are less secure than the ones in your office. All of this together can spell disaster for cyber security. Let’s talk about how secure your sensitive data really is and what you can do to protect it.
How Secure Is Your Data?
Without knowing the details of your network security, if this is the first time that this question has entered your mind, then the most likely answer is that your data is not safe enough. Small businesses often underestimate the need for data security, either because they don’t feel their particular type of data is vulnerable or that a cyber criminal wouldn’t be interested in such a small scale operation.
Today, with larger businesses taking full advantage of advancements in online security, cyber criminals have become more focused in choosing their victims. They’re looking for the biggest payoff with minimal effort. In many cases, it’s the small business that fits the bill.
But cyber criminals aren’t the only threat to your data that you need to be worried about. Not being prepared for the event of a disaster can put your data in jeopardy and make recovery near impossible. Loss or breach of data can easily take down the businesses that you’ve worked so hard to build.
Steps to Secure Your Data
So, what can you do? Is it possible to really secure data for a smaller business? If you’re running with a limited budget or little knowledge of cyber security this can seem like a daunting task, especially if you don’t have the luxury of your own IT department. Take a deep breath and rest easy. Here are a few simple steps to start protecting your data today.
- Talk with your Staff. No matter how big or small your operation, your staff needs to understand the importance of data security and how to protect it. This includes being aware of the seemingly innocent actions that might put your data at risk.
- Implement a Solution with Multiple Security Features. Hackers will come at you from all different angles, so it’s important to have a security solution that protects your data from viruses, worms and any other threats that come your way.
- Stay Up to Date. It isn’t enough to implement some data security features and call it good. You also need to be aware of the constant updates in software and technology. Often these updates happen in response to cyber criminals becoming more sophisticated, so using the most current technology is key to your security.
Work with an IT Security Team
In all honesty, proper data security is something that many businesses have difficulty handling on their own. One mistake could cost you money, trust and eventually your business. Data security isn’t the place to take chances. We’re the IT security team that can keep your data safe. Contact Proactive IT today and let us work with you to protect your business.