Keeping your small business safe and secure is challenging, no matter how big or how small it is. Being a small business owner can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be extremely stressful and time-consuming. To stay afloat, you need to be able to trust everyone who works at your company, from the receptionist to the bookkeeper to the accountant. The last thing you need is to worry about how much security your business has. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 6 simple tips that can help you keep your small business safe and secure.
Develop a Security Plan The first and most important step is to create a business security plan. What is a security plan, you ask? It’s the road map that tells you how and when to deploy various forms of security. Before investing in pricey security gear, it’s important to grasp the essential steps required to ensure the safety of your small business.
Install the Right Software
Once you’ve crafted your security plan, the next move is to ensure the software is installed and operating smoothly. One of the best ways to do this is to partner with a commercial software provider that specializes in small business security. These providers typically have extensive experience in the field, understand the unique needs of small businesses, and are proactively working to improve their software.
Train Your Team
Last but not least, you need to make sure that your team understands the importance of security. This means training your receptionist, your bookkeeper, and everyone who has access to your company’s sensitive information. Make sure that everyone knows how to handle sensitive data, what is and isn’t appropriate to store on their computer, and how to report any security violations that they may encounter.
Encrypt your data
You need to encrypt your data. This means that any sensitive information that moves through your network must be encrypted. There are many different types of encryption, and the most common type is called data encryption standard (DEE).
Back it up!
Last but not least, you need to make sure that you back up your data regularly. The best way to do this is by using a secure cloud-based backup solution. Some of the best small business backup software options include BackBlaze, Carbonite, and Mozy.
- Daily Backups for Important Data: Financial records, customer information, and essential files should be backed up daily to prevent data loss.
- Weekly or Bi-Weekly Backups for Moderate Importance: Less critical data, such as project files or non-sensitive documents, can be backed up weekly or bi-weekly.
- Monthly Backups for Historical or Large Data Sets: Archive large or historical data monthly to free up space and ensure comprehensive backups.
- Real-Time or Continuous Backups for Dynamic Environments: Consider real-time or continuous backups for businesses with dynamic, frequently changing data.
Hire the Right Security Team
As with any other aspect of your business, you need to consider who you hire to protect your small business carefully. For example, an unsecured wireless network will almost certainly be a prime target for hackers. This means that you need to carefully weigh the benefits of using less secure technology (such as ad-hoc networks) against the risks posed by potential breaches.
- Experience: Prior experience in security roles, preferably in a small business setting.
- Training and Certifications: Relevant certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).
- Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for conveying security policies and addressing potential threats.
- Adaptability: Security threats evolve, so team members should demonstrate adaptability and a willingness to stay current with industry trends.
- Problem-Solving Abilities: Security incidents require quick thinking; individuals with strong problem-solving skills are invaluable.
- Technical Proficiency: A solid understanding of security technologies and tools.
- Ethical Standards: High ethical standards to maintain the integrity of security measures.
Conclusion
Keeping your small business safe and secure isn’t always easy, but with a little effort, it can be done. In this article, we outlined 6 simple steps you can take to help ensure that your small business is as safe and secure as possible.
First, you’ll want to make sure that you have a sound security plan in place. Second, you’ll want to make sure that the software your business is running is up-to-date and well-secured. Third, you’ll want to make sure that your employees are properly trained on how to keep their small businesses secure. Fourth, you’ll want to make sure that you’re encrypting your data. Fifth, you’ll want to make sure that you’re regularly backing up your data. And finally, you’ll want to make sure that you’re hiring the right people to protect your small business.
