Entrepreneurs face the same cybersecurity challenges and threats that larger businesses face but with limited resources, capacity, and personnel. Cybersecurity is especially important for entrepreneurs because they have the unique opportunity to integrate cybersecurity practices at the onset of their investments and business development.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Approximately 77 percent of small firms believe their company is safe from a cyber attack, even though 83 percent  of those firms do not have a written security policy in place.
• Unlike larger firms that can absorb the cost of a cyber attack, the consequences can be catastrophic for smaller ventures and entrepreneurs.

SIMPLE TIPS

1. Use and regularly update anti-virus software and anti-spyware on all computers. Automate patch deployments to protect against vulnerabilities. (Our monthly maintenance takse care of this.)
2. Secure your Internet connection by using a firewall, password protecting your Wi-Fi network, and changing default passwords for your wireless network and router. (Most businesses who buy a router from a local office supply store don’t take the time to change the default password and don’t know these devices are rarely updated by vendors.)
3. Establish security policies and practices (e.g., using encryption technology) to protect sensitive data, including customer information and intellectual property.
4. Use strong passwords and change them regularly. (Minimum recommended password length is 10 characters with upper and lower letters, numbers and symbols. Changing passwords should be monthly or quarterly if possible.)
5. Protect all pages on your public-facing websites, not just the sign-up and checkout pages.
6. Invest in data loss prevention software and use encryption technology to protect data that is transmitted over the Internet.If your company is concerned about cybersecurity and wants to take the needed steps to protect yourselves, then contact us for assistance.