Security for small businesses: How to avoid the top threats

Are you concerned about cybersecurity in your small business? This is a good thing. This makes sense.

Every month seems to bring a new cybersecurity threat. Good news is that every new cyberattack requires a new and better cybersecurity plan.

It can be difficult to know where to put your limited resources to protect your online business. Let’s take a closer look at these threats, and what small businesses should be aware of.

Today, we’ll cover:

• Cyber threats to small businesses
• How can you tell if your company is at risk
• Who can protect your business against cyber attacks
• How to Protect Your Business on Your Own
• How to Protect Your Business with a Security Provider

What cybersecurity threats are small businesses vulnerable to?

Small businesses must be prepared for multiple types of attacks. Your business could be the victim of a ransomware attack or phishing scam at any time.

There are usually a few targets for these scams and attacks. Cybercriminals often try to gain access to customers’ sensitive information. This negatively impacts your customer relations and decreases trust in you business.

RingCentral provides top-of-the line infrastructure security to help you prevent criminals from stealing customers’ data.

Cyberattacks could also target sensitive information of your business, such as financial details or employee information.

Small businesses must deal with many cybersecurity risks.

Are cybersecurity threats threatening my business?

Simply put, every small business is at risk. However, almost all incidents can be prevented with a well-chosen security solution.

Your business’s online activity will increase the likelihood of your business being exposed to cyber-crime. This is especially true for those who use social media platforms such as Twitter, TikTok, and even LinkedIn. Businesses need to be more cautious as social media scams are on the rise.

This could make it look pretty grim, especially for startups who rely heavily upon social media marketing to reach their audience.

But, just because cyberattacks are increasing on social media users doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be able to protect your business (and yourself) from them.

You can formulate a solid cybersecurity strategy once you have a clear understanding of who you can trust to protect your business from malware.

Who will protect your company from cyberattacks

Two main forces make up the majority of cyberattack defense.

One is made up of government organizations that are dedicated to protecting individuals and businesses from cyberattacks. The second is cybersecurity software providers.

The government

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a government agency, is dedicated to protecting American citizens against all types of internet-based frauds, including cyberattacks.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC), also has a Cybersecurity and Communications Reliability division that works on monitoring and preventing cybercrime.

The FCC declared in 2012 that “theft digital information” was the most common type of fraud. This is a clear indication of how serious they take data breaches and data loss .

It is important that you adhere to any cybersecurity tips issued by the DHS, FCC and other similar government bodies when you are creating a plan to protect your company. These guidelines should be the foundation of your cybersecurity strategy.

Providers of cybersecurity software

Security software providers are the meat of cybersecurity plans, while government guidelines form the bones.

Antivirus software is one example of a security service that can protect you from cyberattacks. This software can protect your data even if you get phishing email. You can interact with the content.

How to defend your business from cyber-attacks

You have two options to protect your company from cyberattacks. One is by yourself, and the other is with expert software and help. Although the former can do more, both methods are essential in creating a bulletproof plan.

1. Your security system should be strengthened

If your password is simple to guess, what’s the point in locking your data behind password security?

It is a smart idea to use passwords. It can save you from a successful cyberattack by using complex, strong passwords that are difficult to remember.

It is important to take as much time as you can when it comes to passwords. A hacker will be able to guess your password within a few hours. You’ll only have a few hours before you realize that something is wrong. It is important to always change your passwords.

The same logic applies for all security measures that you already use.

Make sure your firewall is strong enough to protect all of your offline data. Regular data backups are important to ensure that your business is not in danger if anything happens and servers have to be deleted.

2. Keep your sensitive information safe offline

Cybercrimes are more common for small businesses. You should always be ready for the worst.

This can be done by making sure that hackers don’t have access to your most sensitive information, even if they do.

Your credit card information should never be stored in your browser or anywhere hackers could find it. This information may be necessary if you have to keep it on a device, such as a company card that you don’t have physical access to.

3. Your entire team should be trained on cybersecurity risks

Your IT staff should also be able to prevent cyber threats from happening. Employees are often targeted by phishing attacks and smishing and asked for their login details in order to allow an outsider access sensitive information. Every member of your team should be aware of what these attacks look like and what to do if they happen.

How to protect your business using a security provider

1. Protect your network

Although a firewall is one method, professional software can offer many options to improve your network security.

Software used in other business areas should also consider cybersecurity.

RingCentral’s communication solutions offer a seven-layer security system. This is a great way for you to protect your network and collaborate with colleagues, share files with clients, or do any other business-critical activities.

2. Install a VPN

Hackers can’t track your IP address through virtual private networks (VPNs). RingCentral can also work with VPNs, enhancing your security measures.

3. Layers of authentication can be added

Passwords, as we mentioned before, can be guessed or figured out. Even the most secure passwords can be guessed or figured out.

Multi-factor authentication is the answer.

To verify that the person accessing your information is you, this security layer needs multiple endpoints. These include verification via email, text or phone call. This is especially important in situations such as the pandemic where everyone works in distributed teams and has easy accessibility to their mobile devices, in addition to their desktop or work laptop.

RingCentral’s multifactor authentication options are compatible with all operating systems. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone who works from anywhere. Learn more about how RingCentral protects your business communications at every stage.

4. Select the right software provider

Each service provider has a different set to protect your company. It is important to understand what you require and what a provider can do to meet your needs.

RingCentral offers powerful security features that provide top-quality protection for all devices connected to your business.

RingCentral ensures the most secure business communications. It allows you and your team to work anywhere, any time, knowing that all security requirements are met.

Cybersecurity for small businesses: It’s easy with the right partners

We hope you found our cybersecurity tips useful and helpful.

Although all this may seem overwhelming, you have taken a major step towards cybersecurity by understanding the basics. Even the most basic security measures can help protect your business from all kinds of threats. Your clients will be grateful for your efforts.