2021 Top Cyber Security Practices and Some Reliable Security Tools

For businesses of all types, the risk of a cyberattack is always there. Some small businesses may think that they are out of the consideration of the cybercriminals and tend to ignore the need for cybersecurity measures. However, this secured feeling is out of place as studies have shown that small businesses with many security vulnerabilities are often the most sought-after targets of cybercriminals. The cybersecurity measures of most of these SMEs are out of sync and thereby putting their data and networks at high risk.

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Supporting this fact, a study conducted by the U.S. Congressional Small Business Committee had also revealed that about 71% of the attacks are now happening on SME businesses with less than 50 to 100 employees. Another major factor revealed by the same study is that about 50% of the small businesses have major security vulnerabilities which are either unattended or undetected.

Why are small businesses targeted by cybercriminals?

The major objective of cybercrimes is to steal valuable personal data. While the larger enterprises may have a bigger volume of data kept in a very secured network, small businesses may tend to be weaker in their security coverage. They use some automated malware to identify vulnerable systems and networks and attack small businesses with such deficiencies. This will make it more comfortable and less strenuous for the hackers to get instant access to the same.

Studies have shown the fact that most of these businesses largely lack security. Further, we will discuss some steps to reduce susceptibility to cyberattacks in small businesses.

Usage of firewall for protection

The primary layer of defense organizations need against cyberattacks is a strong firewall, which is hard to break. SMBs are recommended to use a well-established firewall to build a solid barrier between sensitive enterprise data and cybercriminals. Along with firewalls installed externally, many organizations now install firewalls internally too. Along with these measures, it is important to orient the employees to have a strong firewall on their personal computers and home networks. The majority of the IT workforce now tends to work from home during the pandemic period.

Maintain a solid cybersecurity policy

Many small businesses operate with verbal instructions and the intuitive knowledge the users gained over time. This is not just enough to ensure cybersecurity. It requires proper documentation and clear-cut policies in place to be followed. You may find these essential to have some protocols for remote working, online training, and cybersecurity best practices. There should be a proper cyberplanner too, which may act as your reference point to all cybersecurity documentation.

Usage of mobile devices for cyber security

Employees now largely choose to adopt the 'Bring Your Own Device' type of work environment. The enterprise applications, which work on the cloud, now have integration abilities with a smartphone for the users and stakeholders to access it from anywhere. So, along with the PCs and network devices covered, organizations need to have a solid security practice for BYOD devices, too, which get connected to the enterprise network for work or data access.

Follow a secure password policy for protection

The users are asked to change passwords frequently, but it is a painful process for many. A real-time study done by Verizon has shown that about 60% of the data breaches are run due to stolen old passwords. Another related report specifies that about 65% of SMBs do not have any password policy or may not enforce the same. We need to understand today's information technology scenario with seamless integration possibilities and ensure that password protection is ensured to secure your network and data.

Need to use a dedicated server

Organizations need to maintain an interactive and user-friendly website to ensure optimum reach and customer satisfaction. To maintain a functional website, it is essential to have a reliable hosting service and a dedicated database. Providers like RemoteDBA.com can be of help in the database management of enterprise applications. While choosing the hosting services, you have to choose a dedicated server to keep your data secured. The server should also possess customizable control and multidimensional security measures. It is also recommended that you adopt multi-factor authentication to access the database and fetch information from the same.

Safeguarding the business services

Once you have the databases in a secured standalone server, you can rest assured about protecting the same if there are proper firewalls in place and are up to date. Also, ensure that you have a quality anti-malware solution installed on the dedicated server, which can turn down any possible attempt from the attackers to break into your system. You must also limit the access to the database servers, and if you need to provide access to data to the users, this needs to be properly regulated and monitored closely.

Proper data encryption

There are various steps to protect databases from any possible attacks. However, the hackers too may have various approaches which go ahead of your protective measures. So, the need is to outsmart the chances of an attack through measures like data encryption, which will help safeguard your enterprise databases. With the help of a good provider, this process can also be automated. Once the data get into the destined server, it will remain there for long in an encrypted format.

Having a foolproof DBMS software

Various DBMS applications are dedicated to enterprise database management, but all of those are not the same. An ideal database management system will help arrange your data and use the same for analytics and secured retrieval. The majority of the available security elements are now meant to safeguard the databases, and there are also many tools coming packed with the DBMS systems for managed database administration.

Along with these measures, you should not overlook the need for a proper backup and instant restoration plan in case of any database failure or loss. For any enterprise, small or big, it is important to have a proper database management strategy to enjoy success.