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9 Essentials Steps for Protecting Your Small Business

Even though large corporations might seem like an obvious target, small businesses are very attractive to thieves and hackers. Small businesses usually have significant assets that make them an attractive target but not enough money to invest in the proper form of protection. This allows the hackers and thieves to take advantage of them. Putting your dream into reality and starting a small business requires time and financial investment so you should do everything to protect it or you’re risking losing everything you’ve built. Fortunately, numerous simple tactics can provide physical and cyber security of your valuable business assets. Read on to learn the essential steps for protecting your small business.

Essentials Steps for Protecting Your Small Business

Install an Alarm System

Investing in a decent alarm system can help you reduce business losses by allowing you to connect and monitor your premises in more efficient ways. If the worst happens and your business experiences a break-in, motion systems and alarms are the quickest way to learn about it and act accordingly. Finally, the alarm verification system will help you decrease false alarms and improve police response time.

Use Security Cameras

Security cameras are essential for investigation and deterrence. For example, in the event of an accident, the images that cameras collect can be used to review it and learn what happened. Furthermore, they can also protect you from legal action from unsubstantiated liability suits that customers may bring against your business.

Get Business Insurance

Business insurance protects you from financial losses from accidents, property damage, or injury involving your business. There are several types of insurance, including commercial liability insurance. You can get business insurance online and easily curate a custom package that fits your business goals. The insurance price will vary depending on employees, business scope, industry, and other factors.

Place High-Security Locks

Changing locks is one of the most straightforward steps you should make to protect your small business; yet, this practice is often overlooked. Place high-security locks on doors that lead to rooms with expensive equipment or sensitive information. Commercial-grade locks are the best option for companies with heavy foot traffic. These locks can withstand more usage and are easy to maintain and fix.

Use Long Passwords

Passwords should be unique and contain at least eight characters. The best password practices suggest that length is more beneficial than complexity. So, it might be good to use a password management system to discourage using simple passwords. Moreover, encourage your employees to change their passwords frequently and consider implementing two-factor authentication for sensitive programs.

Enhance Your Email Security

Emails are considered the weakest point of digital entry, so get software that scans the emails for potential viruses and dangerous links. Additionally, educate your employees about basic email safety precautions like enabling a DMARC record and the most common email scams and phishing tactics.

Finally, if you deal with clients’ data, encrypt documents, so both the recipient and sender need a passcode to open it.

Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Wi-Fi devices come with a default password, so make sure to encrypt the network by setting up a new, unique password. The router will likely ask you to choose from multiple password types, and one of the most secure options is a Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2) code. Moreover, hide your network, so the router doesn’t broadcast the network name. Finally, if you want to provide access to Wi-Fi to your customers or clients, you can set up a guest account with different passwords and security measures.

Use a Firewall

A firewall provides a barrier between your business data and cybercriminals. It prevents outsiders from accessing the data on your private network. Think of it as the first line of defense in a cyber attack. In addition to a standard external firewall, consider installing an internal firewall for extra protection. Likewise, encourage even the employees who work from home to install a firewall as well.

Back up Company Data and Files

Regularly back up company data and files. Pay special attention to crucial data like databases, human resources files, financial data, and accounts receivable/payable files. It’s always a good idea to have multiple backups both offsite and in the cloud. That way, you’re protecting your business from any event that restricts your ability to access your data, like a natural disaster or ransomware.

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Conclusion

Even if you feel like your business is safe, the fact is that all small businesses face a high risk of being targeted. But, following these simple yet essential steps for protecting your small business, you should be able to ward off the majority of potential threats moving forward. Don’t forget that keeping your small business safe requires devising a proactive strategy. You should reinforce your security measures before something happens and not in response to something happening.

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