Modern technology is allowing companies of all sorts and sizes to do more with less. Because of less restraints to work with, small businesses are at a better position to leverage these innovations than mid-sized and large corporations. But with this new landscape and the abundance of market opportunities also comes the risks and challenges, one of which is new security threats. As a small business, you cannot afford to have weak spots in your IT infrastructure lest incur costly damages to your company’s structural integrity.
Embrace the Culture of Cyber Security
Avoiding the topic won’t save your business from a malware attack later on. Instead, embrace the fact that you live in a time when cyber security is prevalent. Most hackers find their opportunity to strike because of human errors. Every employee needs to acknowledge the importance of cyber security and, consequently, practice safety measures to avoid it as much as possible. As the owner or manager, the responsibility of educating employees about cyber security falls on your lap.
Prepare for an Attack
Even the simplest of attacks, such as phishing, can lead to substantial monetary losses for your small business. Identify every possible threat your business may encounter in the future. Then, meticulously craft a plan for those identified threats. Establish a strategic approach that turns your whole business environment, both physical and digital, into a defense base, detecting any potential threats and eradicating it immediately before it can cause any significant damage. Simple but effective safety measures include changing account passwords on a regular basis, securing and implementing a Firewall, blocking pings, scanning yourself, and updating hardware firmware such as routers and printers.
Use an Established IT Specialist
Work with a third-party IT specialist to manage all your IT infrastructure needs and provide high-quality technical support. When looking for a reliable IT specialist, look at their credentials before any other factor. IT specialists with certifications from Microsoft, Dell, Cisco, and other prominent companies are bound to be legitimate partners for your IT needs. Consider finding a company that offers services like the IT services in Ottawa.
Running a small business today is more exciting and efficient than ever before, with relatively nascent technologies like the Cloud, mobile apps, social media platforms, and big data. Perform the steps mentioned above to harness the positive effects of technology while also avoiding potential threats stemming from its creation.
