October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, making it the ideal time for small businesses in New York, Long Island, and the Tri-State Area to focus on improving their digital security. Here are a few strategies to boost cybersecurity that your small business can implement without breaking the bank.
Conduct a security audit
Before investing in any tools, it’s crucial to understand your vulnerabilities. A security audit identifies weak points, such as outdated software or unpatched systems, that hackers might exploit. Managed services providers (MSPs) often offer affordable or free initial assessments to help you prioritize your efforts.
A security audit will give you a clear picture of your risks, allowing you to focus your resources on the most critical areas. By prioritizing the most vulnerable aspects of your IT, you can optimize your security budget and ensure critical assets are protected.
Implement multifactor authentication
One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to boost security is to enable multifactor authentication (MFA). These days, passwords alone cannot keep cyberattacks at bay. By adding a second authentication factor — like a one-time code sent to a mobile device — you make it significantly harder for hackers to access your systems.
MFA is often included in the software your business already uses, so enabling it can be done with minimal effort and cost. This small step adds a vital layer of security.
Train your employees
Phishing attacks, where criminals trick employees into giving up sensitive information, are a common risk for small businesses. Regular cybersecurity training can dramatically reduce the chances of your staff falling for such schemes. Educating employees on how to recognize phishing emails, avoid unsafe websites, and handle sensitive data correctly can go a long way in preventing breaches.
There are plenty of free or low-cost training resources available online, or you can work with an MSP like HealthyIT to implement custom training that fits your business.
Use a VPN for remote workers
With remote work on the rise, ensuring secure connections outside the office is essential. A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept sensitive data.
Many affordable VPN options offer strong encryption at reasonable rates. Small businesses can find business-focused VPN packages that support multiple users, ensuring that remote work doesn’t compromise security.
Keep software and systems updated
Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software. By keeping your operating systems, applications, and security tools up to date, you reduce the risk of a breach.
Many small businesses delay updates due to concerns about downtime, but this exposes them to unnecessary risks. MSPs can help manage updates and ensure they occur regularly, keeping your systems secure without disrupting your operations.
Back up your data
Regularly backing up important business data is essential to protect against ransomware attacks or hardware failures. Cloud-based backup services are cost-effective and ensure that your data is secure and accessible when you need it.
A lot of cloud backup services are scalable, meaning you only pay for what you need. This approach helps small businesses avoid the costs associated with building and maintaining physical backup infrastructure.
Partner with an MSP
For small businesses without in-house IT staff, an MSP can provide enterprise-level security without the hefty price tag. Healthy IT, for instance, offers comprehensive security packages that include everything from network monitoring to threat response. By consolidating your security needs under one provider, you can simplify management and reduce costs.
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. By taking the steps outlined above, you can make significant improvements to your digital defenses during Cybersecurity Awareness Month and beyond.
Don’t wait for a cyberattack to happen. Strengthen your cybersecurity today, and if you need expert advice or support, partner with Healthy IT for personalized, affordable solutions. Consult with our experts free of charge!