The advancement of information technology has made it easier than ever to run a small business, but your organization as well as your customers and their data may be at risk unless proper cybersecurity measures are in place.

Cybersecurity Best Practices

• Conduct an initial audit to determine potential exposures for your organization as well as to establish an action plan for identifying and implementing proper controls.
• Establish written policies detailing your organization’s cybersecurity safeguards, including topics such as password protocols, guidelines for internet use, customer data control, and penalties for policy violations.
• Keep hardware and software up-to-date to decrease risk from the latest malware or other security threats.
• Secure your internet connection, including implementing a firewall and assuring that Wi-Fi signals are secure and encrypted.
• Manage employee access to the internet or customer data by creating separate, password-protected user IDs for all employees and only granting employees access to systems needed to perform their job.
• Keep systems used for payments separate from other potentially less secure systems.
• Work with banks to make sure that the payment systems and services in place are trusted and secure.
• Make regular backups of vital data, including internal documents and customer information.
• Store data backups offsite, either at a remote location or in the cloud.
• Implement physical security measures, such as keeping network equipment, servers, and other hardware in locked or restricted-access areas.
• Secure mobile devices by requiring password protection and installing trusted security and anti-fraud systems.
• Require employees to change their passwords at regular intervals, and consider implementing multi-factor authentication systems.