Small and medium businesses are at a higher risk of phishing attacks due to their limited cybersecurity resources compared to larger businesses. The positive aspect is that by educating people to recognize and evade phishing emails, most security breaches can be prevented. Have you provided training to your employees?
The majority of successful cyber attacks start with a person clicking on and downloading a harmful attachment from an email, direct message, or social media post. These phishing schemes can lead to the theft of passwords, which criminals can exploit to access confidential accounts and steal information or funds. Additionally, falling for phishing attempts can lead to the inadvertent downloading of malware that harms computer systems or the installation of ransomware that locks users out of their systems.
1. Discover existing training resources and educate staff on recognizing phishing attempts.
You can utilize pre-made anti-phishing training materials provided by your IT provider, professional/industry organization, or a nonprofit organization free of charge. CISA provides numerous free resources tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises. Refer below for further details.
Mandate employees to undergo training sessions and schedule regular refreshers to keep them informed on identifying the most recent fraudulent schemes.
2. Make sure employees are aware of the risks.
Request your IT provider, or assign an employee as a security manager, to stay informed about cybersecurity developments. Have that individual provide you with updates on recent scams so that you can keep your staff informed in between training sessions.
3. Foster a culture of vigilance.
Do not rely solely on annual training sessions. As a leader, taking the lead in promoting online safety practices is essential! Dedicate yourself to enhancing the security of your business by consistently emphasizing "cyber hygiene" just like you do with other workplace guidelines. Ensure that employees are aware of how and to whom they should report any suspicious emails or phishing attacks.
Other Ways to Protect Your Business
Online criminals are constantly seeking out vulnerable targets. Businesses that neglect basic security measures are putting themselves at risk. To enhance your defenses against malicious actors attempting to breach your systems or deceive your employees, consider taking the following steps:
Strengthen Your Business Security
Safeguard your business, employees, and customers by adopting simple yet effective security practices and protocols.
Enforce the Use of Strong Passwords
Implementing robust password requirements is a straightforward method to shield your business from cybercriminals who could otherwise infiltrate your accounts through guesswork or automated hacking tools.
Implement Multifactor Authentication
Utilizing additional layers of security beyond passwords—such as SMS codes, authenticator apps, biometrics, or access cards—significantly enhances the security of an account compared to relying solely on passwords!
Keep Business Software Updated
Vulnerabilities create opportunities for cybercriminals. While software developers release patches to address these weaknesses, it's crucial that you install these updates to fortify your defenses. Many small businesses operate with outdated software due to the absence of dedicated IT personnel to manage updates.
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