Cybersecurity for Small Businesses in Canada
We’re all online, it’s the digital age after all! And when it comes to our businesses, there’s a whole lot of work that gets done through software and the World Wide Web.
But with things going digital, it is even more important to ensure your data and your clients’ data are protected as best as you can.
Between hackers, phishing, spam, and all of that in between, with great (digital) power comes great responsibility: having a cybersecurity policy and adhering to the habits that strengthen that security, not leaving it wide open for data breaches!
You Need a Policy
A cybersecurity policy is a must, not just for you, but for your team and your clients!
An internal cybersecurity policy outlines the actions you and your team will take to prioritize data protection. This will include habits for backing up data, password creation and use (especially regarding password sharing when/if necessary), as well as account security setup, such as multi-factor authentication. By establishing an internal policy, you set the expectations and give everyone a set of rules to hold themselves accountable.
In your external policy, you communicate your dedication to privacy, security, and the protection of your clients' information. Things like data usage, data storage, and how clients share information safely with you (without disclosing the entire process to external parties) are all examples of what to include in your external-facing cybersecurity policy. Not only does this create transparency between you and your clients, both existing and potential, but through that transparency, you build trust through that clarity and honesty.
Yes, You Need an Antivirus Software
Whether Norton, McAfee, Bitdefender, or another antivirus software, you need to keep your devices protected!
Antivirus software provides more than just antivirus protection, especially for more than one device (depending on your needs). While its core protections are detecting malware, ransomware or viruses, many antivirus software have quite robust features that extend beyond their core purpose.
For example, Norton’s software has built-in features for password management, browser extensions to help you while you’re surfing the web, firewall capacities, cloud backup options, secure VPN, and much more.
Just like other software in your business, you want your antivirus software to have many functions when it comes to securing and protecting your data, and giving you a range of tools to do so.
Password is not a Good Password
Read that heading again, and again. Even today, weak, repetitive or common passwords are being used.
This is why it is crucial to change your passwords frequently, always use a different password for every account, and make your passwords strong.
A strong password is a password that is:
Long - 15 characters or more is a good rule of thumb
Complex/Randomized - Use an assortment of letters, numbers and special characters (e.g. $, @, !) that don’t connect to any birthday, address, names, etc.
Unique - A password you have not used with any other account
And remember, the stronger your passwords, the less likely you are to experience a cybersecurity breach, and lessening those odds is always a good thing!
More Best Practices to Instill (Seriously)
There are, of course, more ways to strengthen your cybersecurity.
On top of creating policies, having antivirus software, and using good password habits, you can also:
Set up multi-factor authentication on every account you have
Backup your data frequently
Limit who has access to what, as not everyone needs access to everything
Avoid using public wifi; instead, use a personal hotspot when you can
Conduct routine security assessments and checks
I like to run my antivirus scans, both a quick one and a full one, a few times throughout the day as I work
Educate and train employees on proper procedure and the importance
You can also send test emails that help you understand where your team’s vigilance is with fake phishing emails
Data breaches are nerve-wracking, but the important thing to remember is that vigilance and education are key to putting yourself and your business in the best position you can to help protect your data.
If you’re ready to assess your cybersecurity habits and strengthen your and your team’s habits, let’s talk about updating and creating your cybersecurity policy:
Book your consult call today, and let’s get your digital habits and practices aligned!