Protecting your business isn’t just about locks on the doors and alarms on the windows. Today’s threats often come through inboxes, weak passwords, or unsecured networks.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. For business owners, one cyber incident could mean costly downtime, reputational damage, and compromised employee or customer data.
You can take proactive steps to prevent these threats from harming your company. Let’s begin with a few basic—but critical—adjustments your team can make to protect themselves and your business.
The Core 4
Small actions can make a big difference for everyone online. StaySafeOnline recommends having your employees focus on the Core 4:
- Use strong passwords and a password manager
- Turn on multifactor authentication
- Recognize and report scams
- Update your software
#1 and #2 Strengthen Password Security
The days of easy-to-remember password combinations need to be over. If it’s easy for you to remember, it’ll be just as easy for someone else to figure out.
Encourage your employees to use unique, complex passwords and implement multifactor authentication whenever possible. Newer computers and phones are equipped with password managers that can help reduce the risk of reuse and weak credentials, and your employees can also download apps to manage their passwords.
#3 Train Employees on Phishing Awareness
Most of us are wired to default to trust. Unfortunately, this makes all of us more vulnerable to various kinds of attacks.
Provide your employees with regular training on how to spot suspicious emails, links, and attachments. A few minutes of caution can prevent a costly breach.
#4 Keep Systems and Software Updated
Outdated software is a hacker’s best friend. Regularly update your operating systems, applications, and security patches across all company devices.
Don’t forget to use firewalls, VPNs, and encrypted Wi-Fi networks. Limit access to sensitive data only to employees who need it.
Maintain frequent, secure backups of essential business files and test your recovery process. This ensures you can bounce back quickly in case of ransomware or other attacks.
Is Your Business Covered?
We all make mistakes, and even the best defenses can’t guarantee 100% protection against cybercrime. That’s where Cyber Liability Insurance comes in. Cyber Liability Insurance helps cover the costs of data breaches, system interruptions, legal fees, and more. Contact Wichert Insurance today to explore cyber coverage options that protect your business and your employees.