• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Nexa Collections

  • Home
  • Serving
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Small Business
    • Large Business
    • Commercial Collections
    • Government
    • Utilities
    • Fitness Clubs
    • Schools
    • Senior Care Facility
  • Contact Us
    • About us
    • Cost

Cybersecurity Policy is Crucial for Small Businesses

cybersecurity
If you operate a small business, you are undoubtedly aware of the looming and ever-growing risks of cyberattacks. You’ve likely heard of large-scale data breaches, ransomware attack and theft of customer and other data from big enterprises like Home Depot, Target, and others. You probably assure yourself that you are not a target, because you are not a huge enterprise. Or, maybe you feel protected because you don’t handle customer data.

The truth is, however, that cybercriminals do not discriminate when they target businesses. These attacks are not always executed with precision but can be blunt force attacks merely looking to exploit any vulnerability of any user. Sure, they are looking for big targets, but will also exploit smaller ones that can present fewer obstacles. And no matter what technology you employ in your organization, users are the most significant vulnerability when it comes to cybersecurity. The best defense then is through user education and the implementation of clear cybersecurity policies.

Human error is the greatest risk

Small businesses need to enable basic-level technologies to protect their networks and systems. Firewalls and anti-virus software help block significant attacks. But, no technology will protect against human error. By far, the most common human mistakes regarding cybersecurity involve clicking unknown links, opening attachments, and entering login or other credentials into sites that seem legitimate but are, in fact, counterfeit. According to one recent survey by Experian, 66% of businesses consider their employees to be the weakest cybersecurity link.

This is not to say that employees are not intelligent. The way business is conducted has changed drastically, and emails with attachments are part of daily, if not hourly, life for most workers.

Policies help make security second nature

Creating a strong and easy-to-understand security policy helps facilitate more secure employee behavior. The most effective policies evaluate today’s risks and are flexible, allowing for revision as necessary. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, small business cybersecurity policies should include provisions on email security, passwords, multi-factor authentication, and the use of media such as USB drives. Let’s take a brief look at each of these risks and how a policy can provide ongoing protection.

1. Email can be an open door for cyber risks

Phishing, a fraudulent practice where emails are disguised as legitimate to induce people to give up personal information, such as passwords. A cybersecurity policy can address this by adding a layer of caution. Users can be trained on the signs of phishing, such as poor writing, odd email extensions, such as @mail.apple.work instead of @apple.com. It’s equally crucial for your security policy to state that it covers the use of personal and work email on work computers. 

2. Passwords only protect when used properly

Strong password hygiene is an essential component of cybersecurity policy. Train users to avoid sharing passwords with others. Policies should prohibit using the same login credentials across various online services. Security experts recommend using complicated passwords that contain no “dictionary words” and use a mix of characters, numbers, and different capitalizations. Your policy should also prohibit using the same credentials for various services.  

3. Enable multi-factor authentication where possible

Small businesses can increase their protections with multi-factor authentication (MFA). This technology requires a user to know something (a login credential) and possess something (a smartphone or other device.) MFA raises the bar for hackers considerably. According to Microsoft, 99.9% of account hacks are blocked by the practice. If MFA is an option on the programs and systems your business uses, enable it, and make sure your policy requires it for all users.

4. Addressing the use of removable media

Not all cyber threats travel via email and the internet. Some can sneak in on a removable USB drive. USB drives can help transport documents, but it is essential to protect your systems from malware and viruses that can jump from a home or other computer. USB drives also can be easily lost, leading to the risk of sensitive information getting into the wrong hands. A USB drive security policy should require encryption of files, at a minimum, but can also extend to other protections, such as ensuring that only a specific brand of drive is used, as malware can hit the drives during manufacturing in some cases.

These are just a few examples of how a cybersecurity policy can protect your small business. Cyber threats often change, with new risks identified almost daily. Your policies should respond to these changes. Hold frequent security meetings and ask for input, even if it is held once a quarter. With a clear and enforced policy, cybersecurity can be on your users’ minds throughout the day. Help spread enthusiasm for security, and you’ll make great strides towards a more secure business.

Filed Under: business

Primary Sidebar


accounts receivable

Kindly fill this form.
We will promptly revery back.



    Recent Posts

    • How to Create a Winning Talent Strategy for Your Dental Practice
    • Improving Your Company’s Working Capital
    • How to Build a Marketing Funnel to Supercharge Dental Practice Growth
    • Avoiding Health & Safety Issues for Nursing Homes in Future

    Featured Posts

    • Collection Letters, Calls or Legal Suit: Which is better?
    • Florida Medical & Healthcare Debt Collection Agency
    • Impact of Accounts Receivable on Cash Flow and Profit
    Find a collection agency
    | Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming | Medical Debt Collection by State | Commercial Collection Agency | Medical Collection Agency | Small Business Collection Agency | Dental Collection Agency

    Note: Nexa is an information portal that helps businesses and medical practices to find a good collection agency at no cost to them. We are not a collection agency. We do not perform any collection activity, nor take payments, nor do any credit reporting. Leads shared with shortlisted agencies with Low Contingency Fee and High Recovery rates.

    Featured Agencies

    • Collection Agencies in Birmingham, AL
    • Financial Credit Service (FCS) – Debt Collection
    • Universal Recovery Corporation – Debt Collection
    Copyright: Nexa Collections | 2019
    All information on this website is for general information only and is not an experts advice. We do not own any responsibility for correctness or authenticity of the information, or any loss or injury resulting from it. Nexa is not a collection agency. Relevant inquiries are contacted by our shortlisted collection agency partner.