Big businesses like Sony Pictures Entertainment and Target have had information compromised by hackers, giving small business customers a reason to be wary. What can an enterprise do to implement cybersecurity and appeal to a hesitant audience?
The fear of being breached
According to NCC Group, 64 percent of people surveyed by the source believe they are likely to be a victim of a cyberattack within the next 12 months, and 23 percent are doing less on the internet for that very reason. To prevent these fears from being realized, entrepreneurs need to ensure they are updating their software and at least using basic cybersecurity, such as firewalls and email encryption. "It may take a lot of work and effort, but often hackers find holes into your business through old and unpatched software," Christopher Hadnagy, chief human hacker from Social-Engineer, told Entrepreneur.
A business owner should be up to speed on how to put these tactics in place, and may be able to find support from a secure email service. With 77 percent of people not feeling completely safe when doing business, according to the source, it is a priority to get cybersecurity in place for small companies.
The way to go
The Department of Homeland Security had a few recommendations for business owners looking to improve security for their small and medium-sized companies. It suggested basic cybersecurity measures, but ultimately suggested that cybersecurity be considered a part of overall corporate risk.
The DHS stressed that every company is at risk, and every business must consider cybersecurity measures within its budget. The source also provided small business resources such as the Small Biz Cyber Planner, a tool that allows businesses to create a custom cybersecurity plan and read information on cyber insurance, advanced spyware and directions on installing protective software.
The possibility of being hacked
Entrepreneur discussed the very real possibility of your company being attacked. Collaboration between employees is key when it comes to establishing cybersecurity, as that is exactly what hackers do - collaborate and attack. These hackers are looking specifically at vulnerable data entry points, such as suppliers who have access to a company's data. This means that if you have heavy cybersecurity but your supplier doesn't, you could still be at risk.
Ensuring all passages hackers can take are fortified against intrusion should be a top priority for any business. Ascertain that all cybersecurity basics are put in place and be mindful of the companies you are working with - in turn, customers will feel safer in your hands.
David Bailey is Senior Vice President at Protected Trust.
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