In today’s digital world running a small business can be overwhelming. There are so many variables to think about now when it comes to Information Technology. Is your network secure? Are your employees adequately trained in handling fraudulent emails?  It is vital for business owners and their employees to be proactive to prevent cyber-attacks and security breaches from happening.  Let’s review three tactics every business owner can use to protect their company from Cyber Criminals.

CYBER SECURITY STATISTICS

A recent study completed by Small Business Trends (SBT) showed that 43% of cyber-attacks target small businesses.  Why? Most of the time it is because cyber criminals assume small companies do not invest in Cyber Security.

During their study, SBT found the following information:

Now that we have an idea of the different points of attack let’s review different ways your business can stay protected.

TRAINING YOUR STAFF ON CYBER PROTOCOLS

Have you ever heard the saying, “You are only as strong as your weakest link?” This phrase applies to everything, including your Cyber Security. That is why Kustura Technologies will be offering training classes regarding Cyber Security Protocols in the next few months. This new service will provide various courses to help your employees stay one step ahead of scammers. 

“Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance“

The above quote is famous through the world because it’s true. One of the biggest mistakes companies make is not setting up an email etiquette guideline. If a new employee gets an email from their boss asking them to purchase ten $100 Amazon Gift Cards for an upcoming contest, why would the employee seem suspicious? The email very well says it’s coming from boss@companyname.com. Phishing scams like this are far too common. It one of the most popular techniques cyber criminals use to steal sensitive data or scam unsuspecting workers. That is why your company needs to create a protocol for handling suspicious emails. Check out our blog “5 Steps to Outsmart Phishing Scams” for more information.

PROTECTING WORKSTATIONS & SECURED AREAS

One of the most overlooked aspects of Cyber Security is protecting your very own work station. It doesn’t matter if you are the intern or the CEO of the company; you should always lock down your computer when you leave your desk. As we saw above, 13% of Cyber-attacks for that study came from a malicious insider. A Malicious insider can be characterized as a disgruntled employee or just a worker who saw an opportunity for vulnerability. Datto offers the following advice, “Leave it? Lock it”. Click here to learn more about workstation security best practices from our partner Datto.

The next step in preventing Cyber-attacks and security breaches is by securing areas where sensitive data is stored. This means not leaving servers in plain sight of visitor or employees without clearance. Any data storage unit holding private information should be locked in a separate room. Only give access to this room to trusted employees. However, if your company does not have the proper space, security, or climate conditions to utilize a local server contact Kustura Technologies today to learn more about our Cloud Hosting Services. You can be confident that your data is protected from Cyber-Attacks in Kustura’s secure privately owned Level 4 Data Center.

The third and most critical tactic in protecting your business from Cyber Criminals is investing in a Managed Services Provider (MSP) like Kustura Technologies. Having a company manage your IT Services takes a tremendous amount of pressure off your shoulders as a business owner and allows you to focus on what matters the most, running your core business.

Here at Kustura Technologies, we provide a wide variety of Cyber Security Services including:

• Anti-Virus Protection
• Annual Security Audits
• Firewall Installation
• Routine System Maintenance

Having an MSP like Kustura Technologies behind your company guarantees 100% Satisfaction. Our resilient technology operations ensure business stability year round.

THE MOST IMPORTANT INVESTMENT

Cyber Security is one of the most important investments a small business owner can make. Not only can it help protect your sensitive information, but it can also help protect your customers. Being a company that consumers can trust is huge in today’s digital era, so be sure to try implementing these three tactics to help protect your company from Cyber Criminals:

1. Train your staff on Cyber Security Protocols
2. Protect your work stations by locking them down any time you leave
3. Hire an MSP that can work with you to provide expert level Cyber Security Services

Remember that your company can depend on Kustura Technologies to protect your data from security threats 24/7.  For more information about our Cyber Security Services contact us today online or by calling 904-855-8885 Ext. 113.