Best practices for data security for small businesses

With Verizon’s head of global security service claiming data breaches are a “time bomb” under companies that let customer information go astray, it’s more important than ever to have a secure cyber security system for your organisation. Not only will it protect you from vulnerability against cyber-attacks, but it’ll also save time, money, and your precious reputation.

Maximising cyber security should be a priority for any business, large or small. But with small businesses, sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. Luckily for you, IMSM has drawn up the six ways small businesses can demonstrate best data security practices, so you can begin getting all your employees on board and compliant.

Install anti-malware software and build a firewall

One of the first lines of defence against malicious attacks is making sure your hardware is properly protected. Implement the most up-to-date computer security programmes while checking your tech isn’t at fault, and supplement this with regular cleans and updates of your systems.

Store passwords securely

Although password hacking is one of the easiest ways for your data to become subject to breach, 65% of SMBs with password policies do not enforce it. You already know the drill with passwords: no names, no dates of birth, a mixture of upper- and lower-case characters, don’t share with anyone, etc.

And don’t worry about having to remember an entire bank of complicated passwords, either: programmes like LastPass or 1Password are multi-encrypted banks with multi-factor identification for access, so you’ll never find yourself struggling to recall “qre!bw3!Rn20” again.

Strategize for mobile security

What devices are your employees accessing your systems and networks? You may have considered their desktop computers, but what about company laptops, iPads, or personal mobile phones? All wireless devices – from smartwatches to tablets – can be a potential security risk. Don’t rule with an iron fist and ban your workers from using your WiFi network, but perhaps install a separate one for employee and client use.

Back up and encrypt data

The golden rule of storing data is regularly backing it up, especially your most essential data. The most valuable of these should be encrypted, too. Store this data on the cloud so it’s separated from your hardware, but don’t forget to make a habit of analysing the security of your cloud storage as well as your hardware.

Be wary of phishing

Phishing is when fraudsters try to obtain information by disguising it as a trustworthy entity. For example, sending an email to an employee pretending it’s from the SEO of your company. Examine your digital footprint and what you’re making visible to the internet, as this could make you vulnerable to phishing. You and your employees must be diligent and use common sense when receiving dubious emails. Reporting and blocking suspicious activity and potential attacks can help your spam filter recognise future emails.

Become ISO 27001 certified

Gaining your ISO 27001 certification is instrumental in developing a best practice policy that incorporates all the above and so much more. Offering your education to your employees and thorough documentation surrounding sound data security, you’ll implement systems and processes into the core of your operations, protecting you from threatening cyber hacks and data leaks.

Want to find out more about how ISO 27001 can help your business? Find out everything you need to know here or download our free guide to have a read-through later.