Small and mid-size enterprises typically can’t afford the most advanced cybersecurity measures, and cybercriminals know it. This means that your SME might be vulnerable to a range of attacks that could compromise sensitive company and customer information and lead to devastating consequences for your reputation and organization as a whole.

 But there’s good news: There are many practices and technologies your SME can implement today to boost data protection and facilitate growth. Below, Unidigital discusses essential steps for avoiding some of the most common SME cybersecurity mistakes.

Invest in the Right Tools    

 Too many businesses fail to invest in cybersecurity technology. While they aren’t cheap, top-notch tools can help your organization avoid the catastrophic outcomes of losing sensitive customer and company information. 

Along with installing high-quality antivirus and anti-malware software on all your systems and devices, look into AI-powered cybersecurity platforms that provide additional protective layers. Some of the most well-regarded systems include:

• Darktrace
• CrowdStrike
• FireEye
• Check Point
• Symantec
• Cylance
• Cynet

 Also, consider using password-protected PDFs to securely share sensitive files among your team and partners. There are many PDF tools to foster collaboration while maintaining data security. For example, you can use a PPT-to-PDF converter to share presentations without allowing the viewers to edit them. Search “how to save your PowerPoint as a PDF“ online to find the right tool.

Secure Your Access Points and Networks     

To minimize vulnerability, your business must secure all of its network hardware elements, including the wireless routers. Always set your own passwords when installing a new device, and ensure that no Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs) are broadcasted through your wireless access points. You’ll also want to activate any router firewalls available and keep up with router and firmware updates.

Using a separate network for your business activities is essential if your company provides wireless Internet access to guests. And be sure to enforce encryption protocols by utilizing Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA-2) with Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).

Use Encryption      

Encryption helps to protect sensitive business information, even in the event of a breach. It essentially makes it more difficult for hackers to access data once they enter a network.

In many cases, criminals abandon the attempt to decrypt the information and use it for nefarious purposes. But at the very least, encryption can delay attackers and give your team more time to respond.

Keep Your Software Up to Date     

Cybersecurity software and hardware require a significant investment, leading many SMEs to use the same products for years after purchasing and installing them. However, regular software updates are crucial to protecting business and customer data.

As technology advances, hackers develop new methods and strategies for exploiting vulnerabilities. Software updates patch the most prominent security holes to keep systems strong.

Take advantage of automatic software updates. And remember to update firmware, hardware, and other products that may not notify you to do so.

Be Stringent on Passwords     

You might be surprised how many businesses fall victim to a cyberattack because of a weak network, account, or device password. It sounds elementary, but training your staff to use complex passwords on anything they access can save you from a lot of trouble.

Make sure your passwords are difficult (if not impossible) for an experienced hacker to guess. You need passwords that you can memorize quickly, but you don’t want passwords that include any words or digits related to your company, employees, or industry.

 Conclusion

Hackers are hunting SMEs just like yours to expose vulnerabilities. Don’t let them win.

Implement the practices and technologies above to start building a digital fortress to be reckoned with. And constantly learn new strategies for protecting sensitive information so that you can continue to establish your reputation among your target audience and industry. 

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Tina Martin

Contributor

Tina Martin stays busy as a life coach and works hard to help herself and her clients achieve a healthy work-life balance. She is also working on her first book, Ideaspired: Put Your Ideas, Your Inspiration, and Yourself First to Make Your Dreams Come True. She also started ideaspired.com as a side project to reach as many people as possible, and encourage them to put their dreams first.