Are you a small business owner in Vancouver? More BC businesses are making the smart move to invest in cybersecurity defenses. However, stats show that about half of SMBs still lack the necessary cybersecurity measures to protect themselves. If your business is among them, it’s time to act now and avoid being left behind.
Cybersecurity may sound daunting, but it only takes a few simple measures to get started. Here are some straight-forward options you can use to start protecting yourself right away:
Simple Steps to Strengthen Your Cybersecurity
1. Set Up Device Encryption
Encrypting your hard drive prevents your data from being accessed even if your device is lost or stolen. Even if intercepted, the information remains unreadable without the encryption key.
A quick and simple way to get started on Windows is to open your start menu and search for “Bitlocker (on Mac the equivlanet setting is called “FileVault”).
If it’s enabled correctly, you should see the following settings:
2. Use Multifactor Authentication
MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of identification, such as a code sent to your phone, making unauthorized access nearly impossible.
The way it works is like this: even if an attacker manages to steal your password, they can’t get in without approving a secondary notification.
CAUTION: Nowadays, it *is* possible for attackers to bypass this if you’re using a weaker format, such as a text message or a one-time passcode.
Therefore, we recommend using a phishing-resistant method like Location and Number Matching + passwordless authentication in order to best protect yourself (these should be enabled by default if you’re on a newer version of Microsoft 365):
3. Use a Password Manager
Password managers like Bitwarden generate and store complex passwords for all your accounts. They streamline your login process and enhance security by ensuring your passwords are strong and unique, and protected from prying eyes.
Because password managers also help you auto-fill your logins, they also make it easier to use strong passwords, since you don’t have to remember every single one.
DRAGONS AHEAD: Not every password manager is trustworthy, so we recommend doing a little research on the company’s past history before you jump in and trust them with your sensitive credentials.
3. Utilize Advanced Monitoring
Think of advanced monitoring as your digital security camera. Having a team who looks after your cyber security is one such way you can protect yourself from would-be attackers (at Leap Cloud Solutions, our customers benefit from a 24 x 7 Global SOC team who continuously monitor their systems for breaches. Best of all, we’re located right here in Vancouver).
In addition, using advanced cybersecurity software that supports features such as tamper protection, while not perfect, is another tool you can put in your belt.
Overall, a good cybersecurity strategy involves a healthy mixture of proactive monitoring, patching and locking down vulnerable areas of your network.
4. Educate Your Team on Phishing Scams
Phishing scams trick people into giving away sensitive information by posing as trustworthy entities like suppliers or banks, and Vancouver businesses are no exception. Training your team to recognize and avoid these scams is crucial. If something feels off, it probably is.
Business Email Compromise (or BEC for short) is the number one attack vector cyber criminals use to gain access to small businesses today, and phishing is it’s crafty cousin. And it’s no surprise, given how easy it is to trick a person with the right combination of a crafty email and a little bit of research into the company’s structure.
Most Vancouver businesses, for example publish a list of employees on their website. All it takes for an attacker to figure out who the owner or manager is, is to go on Google and take a look.
The best course of action to protect against these attacks is education. Regular phishing training can help your employees learn what to spot for, and see who is clicking on links.
Combined with robust cyber security monitoring, your business can be triumphant against phishing attacks instead of being the next victim in the news.
Why Invest in Cybersecurity?
It goes without saying, but businesses who prepare themselves by investing in their cybersecurity will always do better than those who allow themselves to become the victims of a cyber attack. Having a robust cybersecurity strategy helps you:
- Protect Your Data: Safeguarding your business data is crucial for maintaining operations and protecting your reputation.
- Avoid Financial Loss: Cyber attacks can be costly in terms of money, time, and resources. Prevention is always cheaper than dealing with the aftermath.
- Build Trust: Showing that you prioritize security builds trust with your customers and partners, assuring them that their information is safe with you.
Investing in cybersecurity might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you need initial advice or a comprehensive security plan, get in touch with us today. Reach out for expert IT support tailored for Vancouver’s small businesses. Together, let’s protect your business and give you peace of mind.
