Think your small business is protected from cyber criminals? Rethink it. Most small businesses are remarkably vulnerable to hackers. It’s relatively easy for savvy cyber criminals to hack into your business’ Wi-Fi account, for instance. From there, it’s an easy process for cyber criminals to steal your company’s data and funds. The good thing is, Entrepreneur Magazine recently ran an article offering tips for small business owners who wish to protect their companies from hackers. The good news? Combating cyber crimes sometimes requires the simplest of steps.
Encryption Matters
Make sure the full-disk encryption tools on your company’s computers are turned on. When they are, these tools encrypt every file or program stored on your computers’ drives. This is significant mainly because hackers prefer to go after easy targets. Once they discover that your company’s key data are encrypted, they may move on looking for easier targets. On Macintosh computers, the encryption tool is named FileVault. On Windows-based machines, the tool is known as BitLocker.
The Lockdown Approach
Most computers have a Kensington lock port, a small metal loop that users can run a cable through to lock them to their desks. If you wish to truly protect your business, require that employees take this protection measure. It may sound silly, but the Entrepreneur story said that businesses are often hacked after burglars break in and steal laptops along with other devices. A cable strapping a laptop to a desk won’t stop all thieves. But it might scare away those who want to strike especially quickly.
Wi-Fi Vulnerability
Many hackers break into the Wi-Fi networks operated by businesses. That’s why it’s important for businesses to protect these networks with passwords that are very unlikely for hackers to crack, normally long codes featuring numbers, symbols and letters. Of course, such passwords are difficult for you to remember, too. Solve the problem by writing down your passwords and storing them in a locked safe or some other secure location.
