Tech Security Tips for Small Businesses

Using more tech in your small business can be intimidating, especially when you're trying to avoid security issues. Security can be a tough topic to tackle, and it’s hard to know where to begin. That's why we're here to help. Below are some immediate steps you can take to strengthen your tech security.

Why should you care?

Many small business owners believe 'it'll never happen to me' or 'we're too small to worry about that.' Unfortunately, small businesses are increasingly targeted by cyber attacks—over 28% in 2020. Just as you take steps to protect your business from traditional crimes like theft and fraud, it's crucial to safeguard your digital assets too.

Multi-factor authentication

Let's start with the no-brainer: multi-factor authentication (MFA). Yes, it adds a bit of friction and can be a little annoying, but it provides critical protection for your accounts. Enable MFA for all applications and company accounts, and require your team to do the same. This way, even if someone gets hold of a password, they can't access your apps and steal your data.

Learning about Phishing

Phishing is the most common attack on small businesses. Cybercriminals send fake emails or messages that look like they're from trusted sources to trick you into revealing sensitive information like passwords or payment details. It happens in our personal lives too—think of those scam calls pretending to be your bank. The risk is higher for businesses because there are more targets and more opportunities for impersonation. Protect yourself by educating your team about phishing (share a helpful video) and establishing a clear method for verifying communications, like a dedicated Slack channel or WhatsApp group.

Access for all? No.

Small businesses often give more access to employees than necessary, thinking it's a sign of trust and easier to manage. But this increases your risk. If Bob the copywriter only needs access to the articles folder, don’t give him access to the entire Google Drive. If someone hacks Bob's account, the damage could be extensive. Next time you’re dealing with permissions, take a moment to grant access only to what's needed. That extra 30 seconds can protect your business.

Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

If you run a small business, especially one that offers Wi-Fi to customers, securing your network is essential. Start with a strong, unique password and change it regularly. Use WPA3 encryption to keep your data safe. Hide your network's SSID to make it less obvious to hackers. Set up a separate guest network for customers so they can't access your main business network. And keep your router’s firmware up to date with the latest security patches. These simple steps can help protect your business’s data and give you peace of mind.

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By taking these simple steps, you can significantly boost your small business’s cybersecurity. Protecting your data doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Start with these basics, educate your team, and stay proactive. Your business, your customers, and your peace of mind will thank you.