Massive kind of cyber security breaches that shattered some topenterprises threw the topic of cyber security to the popular discussion. Thoughonly large companies find their way to the headlines, small businesses are not freefrom several cyber security threats. The horrible fact remains that the impactof cyber-attack on a small business can often be devastating. Studies byNational Cyber Security Alliance show that within six months of being hacked,over 60 percent of businesses have quit the scene once for all.

The most common practices to combat cyber security issues are todeploy powerful antivirus software and also backing up the data on a regularbasis. This is the first step any small business can take. However, there isstill a lot more to stay protected at a time when the hackers have growntechnologically advanced to challenge any kind of proactive measure. Here areten most important cybersecurity tips for small business must implement across theirenterprise.

Deploy strong passwords

Those enterprises depending on easy to forge passwords like ABCD or1234 are only facilitating a cake walk for the hackers to crack their systemcode. Experts advise to put some innovation in passwords including numerals,characters and alphabets. Tough passwords make it tough for hackers to crackthem. Time and again remind your employees to create new and strong passwordsand also change them often.Keep password attempts to minimum

Most hackers try random passwords till they are able to open youraccount successfully. If you have implemented a six digit pin, you are onlycreating a million unique possibilities and so your account is never safe.Today there are amazing password cracking software that can easily guess yourcodes within a few minutes. Therefore keep the password attempts to minimumduring every stage of the authentication process.

Rely on good password management software

Password management tools help create strong passwords and alsoremember them. So, many businesses wish to install them for their manyadvantages. However, the big downside to them is the passwords are stored intheir databases making it handy for the hackers to get all of them if they canaccess the location just once. So, ascertain the password management tool youare depending on is reliable.

Make use of on-screen keyboard to enter sensitive information

Today there are advanced key logging software that can record yourkeystrokes. Therefore your data is under severe vulnerability especially whenyou use shared networks. If you use the onscreen or virtual keyboard to key insensitive data with the clicks of the mouse, you are successfully falsifyingthe capabilities of such keylogging software.

Backup data regularly

Data backup is something that you must never take lightly. Not onlyyou must back them up, you also must manage them effectively. For example, ifyou are depending on cloud storage for backup, then you are depending on aremote location to store your data. This means someone can gain access to yourdata easily. So, it is important that you encrypt and password protect yourdocuments before storing them on a remote server.

Promote cyber security awareness across your organization

Cyber security breaches have become more common than you can imagine.Therefore it is very important to train all the employees of your organizationon these aspects through seminars and talks. Also, test the IT knowledge of theemployees regularly. Clearly publish your policies regarding hacking and breachof data security in the organization.

Never store the CVV number of your customers

Though getting the customer’s card details with their consent helpsin making future checkouts easier, this practice can increase the risk of customerdata being accessed by the hackers. So, store credit card numbers withoutrecording the CVV number. Entering the three digit CVV number is not going tobe a difficulty for the customer.

Restrict the access to systems and network elements

Never allow outsiders and unauthorized personnel to use your systems.In case this necessary like a technician attending on the repairs, it isadvisable you have someone supervise them while they are on the job. Once theyfinish the task, lock up your computer. Frequently monitor the personal devicesof your employees.

Make regular updates to your software

Often you get pop up messages that prompt you to upgrade yoursoftware. Software updates is a sure measure towards advancing your computer’ssecurity. If this is not done, your system becomes more vulnerable to hackingas well as malware. Since the makers of software release updates that can tackle newer vulnerabilities, this is very important.

Secure the networks

To prevent unauthorized access, hide and secure your Wi-Fi networksby hiding the Service Set Identifier found in the router, encrypting thewireless access point, disabling access from third party network, and scanningyour network thoroughly ad regularly.

Summing up

While most cyber-attacks target big corporations, small businesseshave no reasons to feel they are in the safe zone. Nevertheless, their securitythreats are by no means small. Experts say over 45 percent of cyber-attacksprimarily target small businesses. They may fall a victim to hacking anytimesuffering on account of malware, ransomware and data theft since they mostoften rely on ineffective and outdated protection measures and lessknowledgeable staff, which can help the hackers achieve their ends far moreeasily. Therefore, it is important that they safeguard their interests byimplementing the few security measures that will help them stay protected.

Source is From : http://www.tgdaily.com/security-brief/10-important-cyber-security-tips-for-small-business-owners