Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. But in today’s digital age, they’re also prime targets for cyberattacks. You might think:
“Why would a hacker bother with my business? I’m not a huge corporation.”
The reality is: cybercriminals rely on the fact that small businesses often lack the resources and expertise to implement robust cybersecurity measures, making them easy prey. This guide will walk you through the basics of securing your small business so you can protect what you’ve built with confidence.
Step 1: Take Inventory of Your Tech
The foundation of cybersecurity is knowing what you need to protect. This might sound simple, but many small businesses overlook it. If you don’t know what assets your organization has, how can you protect them?
Audit Your Tech: Start with a list. What devices are used in your business? Laptops, desktops, smartphones, tablets—write them all down. Then, think about the software and tools you rely on: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, QuickBooks, Salesforce, and any SaaS (software as a service) tools your team uses.
Understand Your Data: Beyond hardware and software, think about your data. Where is it stored (on hard drives, a private cloud, iCloud, etc.)? Who has access? Is it sensitive customer information, financial records, or intellectual property? Identifying your critical assets is key to prioritizing their protection.
Ask Questions: Are there shadow systems in your business? Maybe an employee signed up for a new SaaS tool (like Monday.com or an AI Assistant) to make their job easier but didn’t notify anyone. These “unknowns” are risky because they can slip through the cracks.
Without this understanding, you’re flying blind! You can only protect what you know exists. Take the time to get clarity—it’s the first step in building a resilient security posture.
Step 2: Leverage the Security Tools You Already Have
Many small businesses don’t realize that some of the tools they already use come with powerful built-in security features. Leveraging these tools is often more cost-effective than investing in standalone solutions.
Microsoft 365: If your business uses Microsoft 365, you already have access to features like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), data encryption, and device management. Ensure these features are turned on and properly configured.
Google Workspace: Google offers similar security tools, like MFA, phishing protection, and admin controls to monitor user activity. Spend time exploring your admin console—you might be surprised at the options available.
Salesforce and Other SaaS Tools: Check the security settings for any SaaS platforms you use. Many tools allow you to restrict access, enforce MFA, and monitor for suspicious activity. These settings are often underutilized but can make a significant difference.
Taking advantage of native tools not only strengthens your security, but also maximizes the value of your existing investments.
Step 3: Combat the Unknown
One of the biggest threats to small businesses is the “unknown.” Systems and tools that are introduced without organizational knowledge create security gaps that attackers can exploit.
Shadow IT: Shadow IT refers to the use of technology—software, hardware, or services—without explicit approval from IT or leadership. It’s often well-intentioned: an employee signs up for a new tool to streamline their workflow. But without visibility into these tools, they become blind spots in your security landscape.
Regular Audits: Periodically audit your systems to uncover any unknown tools or accounts. This might involve reviewing credit card statements for SaaS subscriptions, conducting interviews with team members, or using tools that identify unmanaged devices and services.
Centralized Management: Adopt tools that help centralize visibility and control over your technology stack. This could be as simple as using a password manager to monitor shared accounts or as robust as deploying an IT management platform.
Step 4: Recognize Your Users as Risk
Your people are the lifeblood of your business, but they’re also your biggest liability when it comes to cybersecurity. Phishing scams, weak passwords, and accidental misconfigurations can open the door to cyberattack.
Device Protection: Ensure that all end-user devices—laptops, desktops, smartphones—have antivirus software and are updated regularly. Consider implementing Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to enforce security policies on mobile devices.
Account Security: Encourage employees to use strong, unique passwords for their accounts. Better yet, implement MFA wherever possible. This extra layer of security can thwart many attacks.
SaaS Usage: Make sure you know which SaaS tools your employees are using. This includes everything from collaboration platforms like Slack to lesser-known tools they might use for niche tasks. Unmanaged SaaS usage can expose your business to unnecessary risks.
Employee Education: Train your employees to recognize phishing emails and other common cyber threats. This doesn’t have to be overly technical. Simple awareness can go a long way in preventing mistakes.
Step 5: Keep Track of Your Accounts and Identities
User accounts—or identities—are at the core of your business security. Yet, they’re often neglected, leading to significant vulnerabilities.
Identity Inventory: Create and maintain a comprehensive list of all user accounts across your platforms. Who has access to what? This is especially important for SaaS tools that employees may have signed up for independently.
Offboarding Procedures: When an employee leaves your company, their accounts need to be disabled immediately. If you don’t know which accounts they had access to, this becomes a nightmare.
Automated Solutions: Consider tools that automate the discovery of user accounts and provide alerts when new accounts are created. These tools can help you stay on top of your identity management.
The bottom line? If you don’t know what accounts exist, you can’t secure them. Be diligent and proactive about managing them!
Step 6: Understand How/Why Small Businesses Are Targeted for Cyberattacks
You might think cyberattacks only happen to big companies, but small businesses are frequent targets. Why? Because attackers know they’re least prepared. Most small business attacks exploit one thing: the unknown.
Targeting Unmanaged Systems: Attackers look for systems you aren’t aware of. This could be a forgotten SaaS subscription, an unpatched device, or a shadow IT tool.
Phishing and Social Engineering: Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to phishing attacks. These scams trick your employees into providing sensitive information, like login credentials.
Ransomware: Cybercriminals might encrypt your data and demand a ransom to unlock it. Small businesses often feel they have no choice but to pay, making them an attractive target.
Third-Party Risk: If your business works with third-party vendors, their vulnerabilities can become your vulnerabilities. Ensure your partners have robust security measures in place.
The key to avoiding these attacks is simple: eliminate the unknown. Know your systems, accounts, and data inside out. The more visibility you have, the harder it is for attackers to find gaps.
The Takeaway: When It Comes to Cybersecurity for Small Business Owners, Knowledge is Power
Cybersecurity for small business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It starts with understanding what you have and using that knowledge to protect your organization. By taking inventory, leveraging native security tools, addressing shadow IT, managing user accounts, and educating your employees, you can build a strong defense against cyber threats.
Remember, the unknown is your biggest enemy. The more you know about your systems, data, and accounts, the better prepared you’ll be to defend your business. Cybersecurity isn’t just about technology—it’s about protecting what you’ve worked so hard to build -- we know -- we're a small business. Take the first step today and give your business the security it deserves.
Comentarios