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Small Business Cyber Security Fundamentals
The innovative use of the Internet can give small business
owners a competitive advantage as much as their larger counterparts. However,
large companies have increased spending on IT security and compliance efforts,
diverting the attention of cybercriminals to the small business community.
According to the National Small Business Cybersecurity
Study, most the small businesses don't do enough to protect themselves online.
Nearly a fifth of small businesses do not have or use antivirus software. Sixty
percent do not use any encryption on their wireless networks, and two thirds do
not have a security plan in place.
At the most basic level, cybercriminals seek to steal
personal information, such as credit cards, social insurance, bank account numbers,
and passwords. These new age criminals use spyware, malware and other illegal
applications to hijack computers and use them for larger criminal activities.
For example, entire networks of hacked computers - "bots" - are used
to send unsolicited email messages aimed at directing recipients to fraudulent
websites designed to extract personal information.
1. Internet Use Policy
Every business needs a plan to protect its information, and
part of that plan should be an internet usage policy that lets employees know
their responsibilities when it comes to surfing the web in company time. At a
minimum, the policy should address which files or programs can be downloaded
from the Internet, use antivirus software to scan any approved file downloads
before opening them, use strong passwords, which sites you can and cannot visit
at work and what social networking sites, if any, are , approved for commercial
use.
2. Content filtering
The easiest solution to spyware, malware, and other Internet
threats is to block access to those sites that are most likely to contain them.
No employee should, for any reason, need to access the sites you block at work.
A content filter blocks access to porn sites and other sites used by
cybercriminals and others with bad intentions. Content filters also prevent
employees from accessing the non-work related sites that negatively impact work
effort and productivity.
3. Separate computers for home/work
Whether your employees work in the office or from home, it
is beneficial to maintain separate computers for use at work and at home.
Although it may make financial sense to combine home and office use, savings is
misleading. Working on a computer at home exposes you and your clients to
significant risks. Investing in another computer will easily pay for itself in
reducing risk.
4. Antivirus and malware software
Computers are increasingly coming with these programs
installed. Small businesses that require more comprehensive protection can also
choose to install a suite product that automatically patches their operating
systems each time a new malware or virus is detected.
5. Email protection
Many group security products include email protection to
guard against spam and other threats. Explain to employees that no one should
open attachments from unknown senders.
6. Strong passwords
Always create strong passwords of more than six characters
that use mixed letters and include numbers and symbols. These strong passwords
are much more difficult for any cybercriminal to crack or guess. Operating
passwords should also be installed on PDAs and cell phones, even those that are
personally owned and used for business. In most cases, your data is your
business.
7. Wi-Fi Safety (Wireless)
Companies quickly adopted and implemented wireless Internet
networks. Although small businesses are getting smarter about securing their
wireless networks, they need to get smarter about using stronger encryption and
changing default passwords.
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