Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) need multiple layers of defense to protect against the constantly changing landscape of cyber threats. A multi-layered security strategy is essential to safeguarding your data and assets. However, as an SMB, you may lack the resources or expertise to manage complex security setups and policies effectively.
To help, we've put together a list of cybersecurity best practices to enhance your organization's security. For more information on implementing advanced protections and simplifying security management, contact us at GIGAMiT Support.
Follow Established Frameworks
Cybersecurity practices can be adapted to most work environments without starting from scratch. IT security experts often recommend following the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework. This framework includes five core functions that organizations should continuously perform:
- Identify: Understand the current state of your assets and data and who has access.
- Protect: Implement safeguards to limit access to sensitive data.
- Detect: Deploy tools and processes to identify breaches or suspicious activity.
- Respond: Create protocols to quickly respond to data breaches.
- Recover: Develop plans to restore normal operations after an incident.
Consider Zero Trust Architecture
Zero Trust is a cybersecurity approach that assumes no one inside or outside a network is automatically trustworthy. Users and devices must be authenticated and authorized to access specific data segments. Trust is established and regularly re-verified across five pillars:
- Device
- User
- Session
- Application
- Data
Maintaining Zero Trust involves protocols like multi-factor authentication, privileged access, and real-time monitoring. As remote work becomes more common, implementing Zero Trust is increasingly crucial.
Educate Employees About Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity education shouldn't stop at on-boarding. Schedule regular sessions to explain the importance of security, how to identify threats, and the steps to take if a breach occurs. Emphasize that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility, not just IT's. Many employees may not realize they're potential targets for hackers. According to our recent Cybersecurity Report, 71% of respondents reported a social engineering attack attempt at their organization.
Develop A Remote Cybersecurity Policy
If you haven't already, now is the time to create a cybersecurity policy tailored to remote work. Key areas to address include:
- Using company-issued devices for work only
- Restricting access from personal devices
- Securing home Wi-Fi networks
- Reporting potential attacks or phishing attempts
- A response plan to enable employees to resume work quickly
Use Secure Wi-Fi
Employees often overlook basic Wi-Fi security, such as updating firmware, encrypting Wi-Fi configurations, and changing default router passwords. These risks are heightened in remote and hybrid work environments. Ensure employees use a VPN to secure their connections.
Use Secure Devices
Implementing standardized cybersecurity policies from an employee's first day strengthens your organization's security. Security patching, full disk encryption, and other safeguards can prove to be crucial in securing your devices.
Automate Patching
Quickly patching vulnerabilities reduces the risk of costly security breaches. Non-patched devices are prime targets for cyberattacks. Automated patching saves IT professionals time by applying updates across multiple devices simultaneously, reducing the chance of failure. With patches released frequently, timely installation is more critical than ever.
Enable Full Disk Encryption
Full Disk Encryption (FDE) on every device enhances your organization's security. If a device is stolen, the data remains inaccessible without another attack vector.
Automate Screen Lock
Automating screen lock, which activates after a period of inactivity, is a simple but effective security measure. This ensures that unattended devices are not vulnerable to unauthorized access. For added protection, consider a solution that enables remote screen lock and data wiping if a device is lost or stolen.
Enable Firewalls
Ensure all company devices have a firewall enabled. Firewalls monitor network activity and block suspicious connections, providing a crucial layer of security.
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a must for small businesses. MFA adds an extra layer of security, requiring users to provide an additional form of identification, like a fingerprint or security code, to access systems. With 63% of data breaches linked to weak password security, MFA is a simple way to bolster your defenses.
Reinforce the Use of Strong Passwords
Employees who reuse passwords across personal and work accounts put your organization at risk. Emphasize the importance of strong, unique passwords to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data. Password management solutions can enforce strong password use and make it easier for employees to access necessary resources without compromising security.
Best Practice Cybersecurity Solutions for Small Businesses
Effective cybersecurity requires a multi-layered approach that covers devices, applications, and networks. For many SMBs, these best practices may seem out of reach due to budget or expertise limitations, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals.