Cybersecurity Measures Every Small Business Should Take

Aug 11, 2023

Many things can threaten the success of your small business. Competitors, overcrowded markets, inadequate planning, and staffing changes are just a few obstacles small business owners may face. Another type of threat that is especially rampant in our 21st-century world is cyber threats. Scams, hackers, identity theft, and more all threaten a small business's cybersecurity measures. Let's look into ways to combat these threats and help your small business stay safe online. 


Employee Training and Awareness

The first line of defense against cyber threats is a well-informed and vigilant workforce. Small businesses should prioritize regular cybersecurity training sessions for their employees. These sessions should educate employees about the various types of cyberattacks, including phishing and social engineering. By raising awareness about these tactics, employees can be better prepared to identify and report suspicious activities, thereby preventing potential breaches.


Password Protection and Management

Weak passwords remain one of the most common vulnerabilities exploited by cybercriminals. Small businesses should enforce strong password policies that encourage complex combinations of characters and regular updates. Implementing password management tools can help employees generate, store, and retrieve passwords securely, reducing the risk of passwords being written down or shared.


Furthermore, two-factor authentication (2FA) should be employed wherever possible. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide a second verification form, such as a code sent to their mobile device and their password.


Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software


Installing reliable antivirus and anti-malware software is a fundamental cybersecurity measure. These software solutions scan and detect potential threats, such as viruses, malware, and ransomware, before they can cause harm. Choosing the right antivirus solution for your business depends on features, compatibility, and ease of use. Regular updates and scans are vital to ensure your defenses are up to date against emerging threats.


Data Backups


Data loss due to cyber incidents or hardware failures can be catastrophic for a small business. Implementing automated and regular backup routines is essential. Backups should be stored in secure offsite locations to ensure data integrity and availability even during a disaster. Regularly testing the restoration process is equally important to verify that backups are functional and can be relied upon when needed.


Firewalls and Network Security


Firewalls act as the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your network. Configuring firewalls to restrict inbound and outbound traffic can significantly reduce the risk of cyber intrusions. It's advisable to use intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) alongside firewalls to identify and block any suspicious activities in real time. Regular monitoring and updating of firewall rules are necessary to adapt to evolving threats.


Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)


Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more verification forms before accessing accounts or systems. MFA can include:

  • Something they know (like a password).
  • Something they have (like a token).
  • Something they are (like a fingerprint or face recognition).


Implementing MFA across various systems and accounts can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access, even if a password is compromised.


Regular Software Updates


Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain unauthorized access. Keeping your operating systems and applications up to date is critical to cybersecurity. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure that security patches are promptly applied. Implement a patch management strategy to address vulnerabilities promptly and minimize the risk of exploitation.

Incident Response Plan


Despite all precautions, no business is entirely immune to cyber incidents. Having an incident response plan in place is crucial to minimize the impact of a breach and ensure a swift and coordinated response. This plan should outline roles and responsibilities, contact information for relevant personnel, and step-by-step procedures to follow during a cyber incident. Regular testing and refining will help ensure its effectiveness when needed.


Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that requires proactive measures and ongoing vigilance. By implementing these essential cybersecurity measures, small businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber threats and safeguard their operations, customer trust, and reputation. Remember, staying informed about the latest cybersecurity trends and working with experts can provide the guidance and support needed to navigate the complex digital security landscape. Don't wait until it's too late – take action now to secure your business's digital future.


Connect With Cole-Dalton Marketing Services


Building a solid small business takes time, effort, and experience. Whether you're a newer business or have been around a while, contact our team at Cole-Dalton Marketing Services. We have helped small to medium-sized businesses build and maintain their online presence and accomplish marketing goals. Contact us today to get started!

The State of Cybersecurity in 2024

09 May, 2024
What comes to mind when you think of a hacker or a digital scammer? A lone, 40-year-old man typing away at a computer monitor hunkered down in his mother's basement? An older adult who thinks she's on the phone with her granddaughter? Certainly not you? If that's your belief, it's time for a reality check. Cybercrime has increased by over 250% over the last two years, and the global cost of cybercrime is estimated to have exceeded 6 trillion dollars in 2023. The criminals behind these numbers are running highly efficient and effective operations – and many cybercrime organizations have hundreds of members/employees. The cybercrime industry intersects with international law, global politics, high-level business interests, fast-paced technological advancements, and human trafficking. While this information can be daunting, and the large-scale implications seem intangible, small business owners can't let overwhelming feelings prevent them from taking action. While many cybercrime organizations target large corporations, small businesses continue to be the most frequent victims of digital scams. The President of Moore Computing LLC, Fred Moore, recently presented "The State of Cybersecurity in 2024" to St. Louis small business owners. Let's review some of his key points and discuss the critical actions small business owners can take to safeguard their businesses, employees, assets, and their reputation. Types of Cyber Crime in 2024 Phishing Scams Phishing remains one of the most common scams affecting business owners and employees. The idea behind phishing is simple: a bad actor sends a message pretending to be someone else and prompting the recipient to reveal private information. Phishing scams are constantly evolving, with scammers designing email messages that resemble a standard email from a company, a client, or even the recipient's boss. Fred asserts that vigilance with links is vital. Be wary of any links sent in emails, especially those that ask you to share certain information. Verify the link before clicking on it. Take caution if you notice glaring spelling errors, conspicuous vocabulary, or something that needs to look right in the email's footer. It takes time to recognize these emails, and training can help. Ransomware Ransomware is one of the most detrimental cybercrimes. When cybercriminals target individuals or businesses with ransomware, a virus infects the computer system, encrypts data, and blocks the victim from accessing their information until they pay a ransom. The ramifications of a ransomware attack can be disastrous. Even if an attacked company can work with their legal team to pay the ransom or regain their data, the average downtime from a ransomware event is 21 days . When MGM Grand suffered a severe ransomware attack in 2023, getting their casinos and properties up and running took days since everything was tied to the computer system. Businesses may incur costs from the ransomware attack itself, along with costs from loss of business and reputation. Business Email Compromise Business email compromise scams are another common issue. These scams take phishing one step further, with cyber criminals hijacking email accounts. Once the bad actor can access the victim's account, they often orchestrate unauthorized fund transfers or manipulate account details. Like phishing, vigilant training and awareness are critical to lessen the chance of these attacks. Always be alert, never cut corners, and always follow company protocols to minimize risk.

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The Power of Storytelling

12 Mar, 2024
Marketing tends to focus on analytics and systems, but we sometimes forget about one powerful tool that has existed since the beginning: storytelling. From our ancestors telling ancient myths to be passed down for the generations to come to modern-day brand narratives, stories have held the power to inspire and connect in all different ways. Today, consumers face a constant bombardment of advertisements and catered content; using the power of storytelling in marketing campaigns has become critical for businesses, especially smaller firms aiming to create meaningful connections with their target clients. Why Storytelling is an Effective Strategy When a brand uses storytelling to convey its message, it connects with the audience emotionally. By telling a compelling story, marketers can create a memorable experience for consumers, making them more likely to remember and engage with the brand. Additionally, storytelling allows marketers to communicate the brand's values and personality more authentically. Instead of bombarding consumers with sales pitches, storytelling enables brands to share their stories and build trust with their audience, increasing brand loyalty and customer engagement. The Emotional Resonance of Stories At the heart of storytelling lies its ability to bring out emotions and create profound connections on a human level. Unlike traditional marketing messages focusing solely on product features or sales pitches, stories can engage the audience's imagination, stir empathy, and spark genuine interest. By weaving narratives that resonate with their target audience's hopes, dreams, and challenges, small marketing firms can create a powerful emotional bond that transcends transactional relationships. Building Brand Identity and Authenticity Storytelling is a potent tool for small businesses to authentically define and express their brand identity. Through compelling narratives that reflect their values, mission, and vision, small firms can differentiate themselves from competitors and carve out a distinct identity in the minds of consumers. Whether recounting the founder's journey, highlighting customer success stories, or showcasing the company's commitment to social responsibility, storytelling allows small businesses to humanize their brand and foster customer trust and loyalty.
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