Seven simple steps to keep your SME cyber safe

2. Backup data and restore quickly

Having your data backed up and restored effectively is the foundation of cybersecurity. Data that cannot be restored to its original state is useless, so you need to consistently backup and check the reliability of the data once restored.

Backup systems can be automated with a minimal time investment. In fact, this process can take only 15 minutes a month. Checking that your data can be fully restored using only three hours a year is the best security investment you can make.

3. Defend with multifactor authentication

Every small business should be using multifactor authentication as the first line of defence, because it is difficult for cyber attackers to get around. Multifactor authentication is simple and available on most cloud platforms at no or a low cost.

4. Encrypt remote access to your network

Protecting and encrypting remote access on your internal network is a critical layer of cybersecurity, because employees and third parties can log into your system remotely using their phones or other devices. Using VPN encryption or SSL/TLS level security to protect access to your network adds a layer of assurance, as employees and third parties may not have adequate security from their end.

5. Rule of least privilege

This is a simple step to implement, yet many small businesses are not vigilant about who gets access to what. Your people should only access what they need for their role and level. Also, when roles change, access should be reviewed using this principle.

Systems should be treated like people; they should also only have access that is essential for their function. If a computer or device does not need access to a server, don’t give it access.

For example, mobile or IoT devices such as kettles or fridges should not be on the same network as your file server containing your critical business data. Such devices should be on a separate network so that, if compromised, cybercriminals can’t use them to gain access to your confidential files.

6. Reduce the attack surface area

Not everything has to be online (on the cloud or on a computer connected to the internal network). Something that cannot be accessed is essentially an impenetrable vault; hackers can’t attack something they can’t reach.

7. Patch management is a must

Software is being updated all the time to address any security vulnerabilities as well as providing new features. Regularly check for software updates to make sure you are on the latest, stable and tested version. Remember that patching applies not only to operating systems and applications but also to the firmware for all devices, such as routers, firewalls and printers.

While there is some automation in patch management, this is not a step you can leave to vendors to control. It requires hands-on diligence; because hackers know it is the one area that is often neglected by small business, they easily exploit this space.

If you follow these cybersecurity steps for small business, bearing in mind the principles of simplicity, access control and layering, as well as confidentiality, integrity and availability, you will be able to build a more secure and resilient company.