Use Technology to Protect Your Small Business from Online Threats

Cybersecurity threats are growing against businesses of all sizes.

21:39 04 May 2021

Over half of all American companies suffer from a violation every year. And experts say that over the next five years, the cost of online breaches cost could be over $5 trillion worldwide.

 

Although the cost is high for any business, it’s especially sizable for small to medium-sized organizations. For example, digital incidents cost firms of all sizes an average of $200,000. While this sum is manageable for larger companies, it puts many smaller companies out of business at a time when companies are already under immense pressure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The key to fighting cybersecurity threats for any business is to adopt preventive measures. Here are some ways technology can help you secure your company from online threats:

 

1. Endpoint Protection Software

 

You probably know that your computers must have advanced antivirus software to fight back against malware and other threats and keep your data secure. But to go the extra mile, you should use powerful endpoint protection software.

 

Of course, this begs the question, what is endpoint protection software and how can it secure my business? In a nutshell, endpoint protection software secures the weakest link in your network: your employees.

 

Remember, most online breaches occur through employee error. Employees usually don’t have the training or equipment to shield your business from a threat. Good endpoint protection software protects the soft spots in your network from exploits, phishing expeditions, spyware threats, Trojan horse attacks, malspam, and other online threats.

 

2. Software Patches

 

Whether your company uses PCs or Macs, it must patch its operating systems regularly. Both Microsoft and Apple issue software patches that plug flaws that cybercriminals try to exploit to breach a computer's defences.

 

Please note that threats against Macs are now higher per endpoint than Windows. Additionally, experts note that nearly 40,000 Mac devices are infected with a mysterious and potentially dangerous malware named Silver Sparrow. So, whether you use Windows or iOS, you must take cybersecurity seriously.

 

You must also upgrade your computers if your operating system is no longer supported. Without security patches, your systems are significantly more vulnerable.

 

3. Software and Hardware Firewalls

 

Sometimes you need to protect your employees from themselves. A good firewall can prevent your employees from visiting potentially fraudulent websites that carry malware infections. A firewall can also stop threat actors from accessing your systems.

 

In addition to firewall systems, you should find an excellent virtual private network (VPN), a cloud service provider (CSP), and an intrusion detection and prevention system (IDPS) for your organization.

 

4. Router Security

 

Each router in your network must have a complex administrative password, a hidden service set identifier (SSID), and the best available security protocols to stop hackers from breaching your access points and hardware.

 

Additionally, you can use filters to block access to security risks like social media pages, spam, and unsavoury websites on company computers and smart devices. Encryption tools are also a good idea to secure sensitive communications. With so many malicious agents prowling the Internet, you must take every precaution to keep your company safe.