In 2019, the number of data breaches in the United States amounted to 1,473 with over 164.68 million sensitive records exposed, and it’s only going to get worse.

If you have a small or medium business, that does not mean that you are not on an attacker’s radar. In fact, attackers often will target SMBs because smaller companies often have less secure networks, making them easier targets to breach. There are steps you can take to secure your network and your data from malicious attackers. Below are some best practices that we recommend implementing today.

1. Use a firewall

Your first line of defense from a cyber-attack is a firewall. A firewall provides a barrier between cybercriminals and your data, helping to keep it secure and out of the hands of malicious actors. A firewall can also provide a secure connection for any users that work remotely, but still need access to company resources. 

2. Educate your users

Employees are an integral part of your cybersecurity policy. They can be an effective line of defense, or they can be a company’s biggest threat, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Proper education in cybersecurity policies can help prevent attacks such as phishing, ransomware, suspicious downloads, and avoiding suspicious websites.

3. Install anti-malware software

It is essential to have anti-malware installed on all devices on your network. Anti-malware software adds another layer of defense against attacks. Even if your users know about phishing techniques, it is estimated that 30% of employees still open phishing emails. Anti-malware is essential to help minimize the threats from phishing and other types of malware.

4. Enforce safe password practices

Did you know that Verizon found that 63% of data breaches happened due to lost, stolen or weak passwords? It is essential that all devices on your network be password protected with strong passwords. It is a good idea to use a password of at least 8 characters, with upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.

5. Keep your systems up to date

Keeping your operating systems and software patched and up to date is one of the best practices to secure your systems. Patches and updates are meant to fix discovered vulnerabilities in software, so patching systems is vital to ensure your software is secure as possible.

6. Regularly back up all data

While preventing as many attacks as possible, breaches are still possible, no matter how many precautions you take. We recommend backing up all your data, including documents, databases, email, financial files, HR files, and any other important data you may have.  Keeping that kind of data on a single PC, especially when there is a network in place, is a dangerous practice.  Our customers’ PCs are usually protected with easy-to-guess passwords.  Corporate crucial data should have policy-driven permissions.  Be sure to store your backups at another location in case of a disaster, such as a fire.  

7. Have a security plan for mobile devices

With BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), mobile devices are commonplace in today’s business, so you will need to have a plan to secure laptops, smartphones, smart watches, and any other devices with wireless capabilities. A documented BYOD policy will help secure your mobile workforce.

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If you’re interested in learning more about how QBS can help protect your IT environment, please call or email the IT & Service Operations at Quality Business Solutions.

410-337-3700