Cyber-security solutions for SMEs
IT security is a serious concern for small and medium-sized organizations. They need to invest in the IT security and conduct regular network security assessments to secure data. Cyber-security is very essential for SMEs, if they want to survive in today’s fast paced technology environment.
Cyber threats to small businesses
Everyday, with the technology advancements, cyber-criminals are also advancing and are adapting new ways of attacking your sensitive information.
Phishing Emails also known as Business email compromise (BEC), is a major cause of business losses. It occurs when an email recipient opens a malicious attachment or opens a malware-laden website that may download ransomware by clicking on a link attached to the email. It is one of the most common method of cyber-attack.
Legitimate websites that are hijacked by the cyber-criminal and are turned into malicious websites. Such websites can install malware onto the system or device. It uses requires an action, like file downloading, clicking the link or giving the information.
A malicious website may install some software to your system, without your consent. It may occur if the company doesn’t has appropriate security system or outdated operating system.
Why small businesses are most likely to be targeted from cyber attackers?
Cyber attacker wants to gather the sensitive information. Data breach can may involve different types of information, from intellectual property, documents to financial information and credit card’s data. They can sometime also gather data about the customers and staff.
Small and medium-sized enterprises should adapt best practices for the digital security. To develop best security from the cyber-criminals, a managed service provider can help. They can provide small and medium-sized businesses with a cyber-security plan in accordance to their company’s needs. Some solutions are listed below, that may help SMEs to have secure data and safer network.
Hackers may enter your system and devices through outdated apps having vulnerabilities. An organization should install latest software and application’s patches, and update their operating system as soon as up gradation is available.
A secure password is the best password. Organizations can add password management applications, to help the user to develop complex and safe password. These applications help the company in generating random passwords that are strong and complex. A strong password is one that has at least 10 characters long and includes upper and lowercase letters, symbols and numbers in it. A password should not include personal information such as birthdays, anniversaries or pet's name etc.
VPN encrypt the entire traffic which enters or leaves the device. It can secure organization’s data in a long way. If still a cyber-criminal enters into the network and breach data, all they will end up with encrypted data and nothing else.
SMEs should conduct regular assessments for the network security to assure that company’s data is safe.
Source: Network security assessment
