Strong small and medium-sized businesses are a critical component of our nation’s economy. Due to the sensitive consumer data small businesses house – including personal and financial account information – they have become a prime target for cyber attacks. Cybercriminals recognize that small businesses hold very valuable consumer data and often lack the resources to put in place strong cybersecurity practices, leaving them more vulnerable to attacks. For small businesses, cyber resources could mean financial resources to dedicate to cybersecurity, hiring cybersecurity professionals, or purchasing software to protect against attacks. Lacking in any or all of these cyber resources can leave a small business very susceptible to a cyber breach.

From the start, it is imperative for small business to make cybersecurity a top priority. Not only are small and medium-sized companies at high risk of a cyber attack, but when they experience a breach, the fallout can be devastating.

It is critical for businesses to take steps to defend against a cyber attack and prepare for how to keep operations running in the event that a cyber breach does occur. Cybercriminals take advantage of the uninformed and complacent, so Department of Homeland Security (DHS) encourages you to be proactive in strengthening your company’s cybersecurity. These measures include:

  1. Installing security software. Make sure all of your organization’s computers are equipped with antivirus software and antispyware. Update the software regularly.
  2. Securing your Internet. Secure your Internet connection by using a firewall, encrypt information, and password protect or hide your Wi-Fi network.
  3. Having a plan. Establish security practices and policies to protect sensitive information.
  4. Educating employees. Take time to educate your employees about cyber threats and how to protect against them. Hold employees accountable to the Internet security policies.
  5. Using strong passwords. Require employees to use strong passwords and to change them often. Lock down your login by enabling two-factor authentication on all business and personal accounts, when available.

Resources Available to Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

The government and private sector both provide various tools and resources for small and medium business owners to improve their cybersecurity. Here is a list of resources that are available to you at no cost:

For more information about cybersecurity for businesses, please visit the Stop.Think.Connect. Toolkit at www.dhs.gov/publication/stopthinkconnect-small-business-resources.

This blog is intended to be an informational resource for readers. The views expressed on this blog are those of the bloggers, and not necessarily those of FSB. This blog does not provide legal, financial, accounting or tax advice. The content on this blog is "as is" and carries no warranties. FSB does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the content on this blog.