When you start a new business, whether it is online or has a physical storefront and an online platform, there is so much to think about. As a business owner, you will probably be focused on growth, ensuring that the customers get the best experience that you and your staff can provide, and on the day-to-day operation of your business.
Going back to the online platform, you will also need to ensure that your website has high levels of cybersecurity. It’s worth noting that research has repeatedly found that small and new businesses are the most frequent targets for cyber criminals, simply because they rarely have access to mature security controls or have the income to pay for top-notch security systems. By practicing good cybersecurity early, you can prevent costly disruptions, help keep your business going and growing, and protect customer data.
So, here are some cybersecurity tips to practice with your new online platform.
Monitor for Threats and Prepare an Incident Response Plan
Unfortunately, cybersecurity is not a one-time thing. So, you should use basic monitoring tools such as Monitoring Detection and Response, or MDR, to help track suspicious activity on your website, as well as oversee e-mail systems and your network. By having an incident response plan, you can significantly reduce damage during an attack. Going back to monitoring, detection, and response, many of these systems have a built-in response to potential cyber-attacks, which is automated, meaning that you will be covered 24/7 even if you aren’t in the office and your system is breached.
Stronger Passwords And Verifications
Not surprisingly, weak or reused passwords are one of the most common reasons for a security breach. So, you should make sure that you have strong, unique passwords for all systems, which cover your website, admin, cloud services, and e-mail. It is also worth looking into multi-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of protection and requires a second verification step, such as a mobile code.
Keep Software, Devices, and Websites Up to Date
Outdated software on websites will usually contain vulnerabilities that cyber attackers can actively exploit. You should make sure that your operating systems, business applications, the website itself, and any plugins that you use are updated to ensure that the necessary security patches are applied. As before, it may be worth enabling automatic updates, which will reduce the risk of you missing critical issues.
Educate Employees and Establish Basic Security Policies
Another cause of cybersecurity incidents is human error. Even if you have a team of under 10 people at your place of business, they should receive basic training on how to spot phishing emails, as well as how to handle sensitive data correctly. They should also be trained on the use of secure passwords. There should also be clear policies for device use, as well as remote access rules for businesses with hybrid models of working. This ongoing awareness and regular training will ensure security practices will grow alongside the business and will reduce the risk of the data being shared or hacked.
