Whether you’re three people huddled in a basement trying to launch the next hot tech company or a more established startup there’s a lot to consider when shaping security practices. As a new business you might think that a cybercriminal wouldn’t be after such a menial target. Well unfortunately, that simply isn’t true.
In a way it’s even more important for businesses getting their feet wet to focus on security. Take into consideration today’s warnings on ransomware, we’re sure you have heard at least one. With a single click, an employee could download a file that takes over your system and holds your data for ransom. Would you have enough money to get the decryption key? If you did, would it be every last penny?
We aren’t trying to scare you, but instead caution you to take security planning seriously. Just like your operating budget or payroll taxes, this matters too.
Cyber Security Tips
Even if you don’t have a technical expert on staff, there are some actionable goals you should commit to. Here are four cyber security tips to start with:
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- Know the Latest ThreatsFrom our latest Ransomware Roundup, we reported that “Since exiting 2016 we are closing in on 300 different malware families, the ID-ransomware service provided by the malware hunter team has tracked over 280 families and offers a free identification service, and the numbers keep growing daily.”That last part is key, “the numbers keep growing daily.” Each day we see new viruses, vulnerabilities, and threats. That’s a lot to keep up with when you are trying to grow your business. But at the same time, staying informed is vital to your success. One simple way to commit to this is to follow our blog and use our Ransomware Roundups to know the latest threats.
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- Create a PlanStrong passwords, employee education, and knowing what you would do in the event of an attack are all important for the foundation of your security plan. The Federal Communication’s Commission has taken it one step further to help small businesses create a strategic plan for online security.Through their Cyberplanner you can create a customized plan through their step-by-step process to address specific business needs.
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- Educate and Train EmployeesIn our latest blog post on the GoldenEye ransomware, we reported that evildoers were going after HR employees with a honey over vinegar approach. Social engineering plays a big part in security and we’re starting to witness calculating criminals use different methods to weaken, manipulate, and compromise people.Kevin Mitnick, criminal-turned-security-expert agrees, saying, “people are the weakest security link.” The fact is we aren’t computers; we have emotions and other drivers that impact our decisions. At best we can work to combat what makes us human by educating, training, and testing employees on security best practices and trends.
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- Safeguard Every Precious PennyWhen your business is running lean, you have to protect every single penny. That means safeguarding your bank account information. Never enter sensitive information into a website that doesn’t start with an https://. Also know that there can be eavesdroppers lurking on public WiFis, so be sure to avoid entering credentials when you aren’t on a secured network.
By following the cyber security tips above, you’ll be on your way to keeping your new business more secure. Remember, security is always evolving so although you’ve read our tips today, the plan you put in place shouldn’t last forever. Consistently monitoring the threat landscape and adjusting your plan is essential, plus it will be easier to manage an attack if you become the victim.
To learn more about other measures you can take, read our white paper “What is Next Generation Endpoint Protection?”
