As an SMB (Small and Medium-sized Business), it is essential to prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect your sensitive data and prevent potential cyber threats. Here are the top 10 things that you should buy or use to protect against cyber threats:
Firewall: A firewall is the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your network. It can help prevent malicious traffic from entering your network.
Antivirus software: Antivirus software can help protect your systems from malware infections by detecting and removing viruses, Trojans, worms, and other types of malicious software.
VPN (Virtual Private Network): A VPN can help protect your sensitive data by encrypting your internet connection and creating a secure connection between your device and the internet.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring an additional authentication factor, such as a text message or a biometric scan.
—> Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is another layer of security that can be used to protect your accounts in addition to 2FA. While 2FA requires two factors of authentication, such as a password and a verification code sent to a phone, MFA requires multiple factors of authentication, such as a password, a fingerprint, and a security token.
MFA is more secure than 2FA because it adds an additional layer of complexity that is more difficult for attackers to bypass. By requiring multiple factors of authentication, even if one factor is compromised, the attacker will still need to bypass additional layers of security to gain access to the account.
Many online services and platforms offer MFA as an option to further secure accounts. If you are an SMB, it’s a good idea to consider implementing MFA wherever possible to provide an extra layer of protection for your sensitive data and accounts.
Password Manager: Password managers can help ensure that your passwords are strong and unique for each account, minimizing the risk of a data breach due to weak or reused passwords.
Regular software updates: Keep your software up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates to prevent known vulnerabilities from being exploited by attackers.
Employee training: Educate your employees about cybersecurity best practices, such as how to identify phishing emails, how to create strong passwords, and how to avoid downloading or opening suspicious attachments.
Data backups: Regular data backups can help ensure that your data is recoverable in the event of a data breach or other disaster.
Security monitoring: Use security monitoring tools to detect and alert you to potential cyber threats, such as unusual network activity or suspicious logins.
Incident response plan: Develop and implement an incident response plan to quickly and effectively respond to a cyberattack, minimize the impact of the attack, and prevent future attacks.