1. Update Antivirus Software

Antivirus programs isolate malware on a network, including ransomware. All devices should have a current, updated and reputable antivirus program on them.

There are a lot of options on the market so aim to find a balance between cost, user experience and effectiveness. While there are discounted offerings out there, in our experience it is worthwhile to invest in a more expensive product that doesn’t slow down your computer and best protects your network. Antivirus product selection should be reviewed annually, identifying a solution that has high detection rates and low false positives.

2. Implement a Comprehensive Backup Solution

Secondly, make sure your small business has at least two backup strategies in place to keep important files safe – a hard drive that is offline and off-site as well as a cloud solution that backs-up daily. The goal is to be able to quickly and easily get your office running again if faced with a worst-case scenario.

First of all, create three or more offline backup drives to rotate through weekly. Because a a virus might “hide out” on your network for a period of time before attacking, having older copies of data can save the day. In addition, taking these external hard drives will provide an easy and fast way to restore the core of your data, whether you are hit with a ransomware attack, hardware malfunction or building fire.

When it comes to a cloud solution, pick something that is easy on your staff so it gets used. When it comes to cost, products that are priced per user (Office 365, G-Suite and Dropbox) tend to be affordable for a small team.

3.  Educate Your Users

Your employees are crucial to the security of your small business. Therefore, it is important to make sure staff is trained on what they should avoid doing while connected to the internet. You can incorporate tips into staff meetings, send a monthly email or create a unique strategy that makes sense within your office. End-user best practice discussions are a crucial part of any small business security plan.

In addition, it is always wise to give your users the least amount of permissions necessary to do their job. Preventing staff from installing a program might sound harsh but it can also prevent a virus from getting onto your network.

4.  Strong Network Security

These days, all business access the internet. Therefore, strong perimeter/network security is a must. An off-the-shelf solution isn’t always the best solution. Almost always, these products prove to be unreliable, especially when not well maintained. Because of this, we highly recommend working with an experienced information technology professional, whether on staff or outsourced, to ensure your small business is secure.

Next Steps

Taking these steps are just the start to small business security. Instead, consider this the first part of a larger plan. Every small business should develop and enforce a comprehensive Network Security Policy. Invest time to create a thorough cybersecurity strategy. The effort will be worth it because it isn’t a question of if you will be attacked but when.