What it takes to run a secure business

Running a successful small business is about more than just providing great products or services and managing finances. Running a successful business means running a secure business because it's about keeping crucial data safe from a security breach. Today, the security of our technology has become an increasingly important part of how businesses run as attackers are constantly developing new ways to access confidential information.

In this climate, to truly protect your business, you must:

1. Implement sophisticated technology security measures
2. Conduct precise testing of all security systems
3. Plan for continual monitoring
4. Comply with the highest industry standards for security, and
5. Enforce best practices for managing user access rights

In this post discover the details surrounding these measures to ensure that your business is running securely.

Understand the basics of technology security

Technology security is an essential component of keeping your business safe from cyber criminals. Your investment towards the knowledge, training, and tools to enforce even just the basics of tech security is a sound decision that can provide effective long-term protection for your company's network and data — without having to resort to expensive and extreme measures.

By having a good grasp of the fundamentals, you'll be able to identify common entry points and take simple steps towards establishing a secure environment. To put it simply: knowing the fundamentals of technology security including technology security terminology, different types of security, and common types of attacks can make a huge difference when it comes to the trifecta:

1) Defending against threats,

2) Strengthening your business’s defenses, and

3) Preserving its reputation.

Implement security protocols and procedures

Protecting business technology from potential cyber threats is an essential best practice for businesses of any size. Developing and implementing standard security protocols and procedures is the best way to stay ahead of modern threats and ensure that business data remains safe and secure.

Common security protocols include:

• Double authentication
• Layered anti-malware software
• Two-factor authentication
• Encrypted networks
• Regular backups
• Audit trails
• Monitoring system performance

Implementing best practices in security will maintain trust with customers who share confidential information while avoiding costs associated with a security breach.

Train employees on security best practices

Investing in regular employee security training is a critical component in protecting any business. By having an understanding of commonly used practices such as strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and data encryption, employees can help safeguard the company from malicious attacks.

With the rise of cybersecurity threats, businesses need to equip their staff with the necessary skill set to protect valuable assets and information from potential threats. Not only do these steps strengthen protection through preventative measures, but they can also limit liability should a data breach occur. Companies that take the time to regularly invest in their employees' security knowledge are demonstrating their commitment to keeping both the business and its customers safe.

Regularly test your technology security

It is vital for business companies to take a proactive approach towards protecting their technology from assaults. To make sure your security services are working properly, make sure to:

#1 Test your security regularly

This helps ensure your critical data is not breached in any manner and that no suspicious activity leads to any major losses. Security testing can be conducted in various formats such as manual, automated or both.

#2 Engage routine testing protocols

Ensuring a robust security protocol across all aspects of your technological infrastructure is paramount to preventing costly security breaches down the line. Additionally, testing security protocols regularly can help identify security vulnerabilities or any potential security breaches in advance, significantly reducing the risk of a full-blown security breach that could result in a significant loss of sensitive data.

Testing security protocols typically involves:

• Monitoring suspicious activity
• Scanning logs for unusual behavior, as well as
• Ensuring that security software is continuously up to date.

#3 Assess new approaches to security

Spend the extra time and resources to thoroughly examine the existing security solutions since we live in an age where simply installing security tools is not enough to keep yourself safe — regular updates are necessary to properly manage security weaknesses.

Be mindful of online threats that can potentially damage your reputation and financial standing as well, and remember, basic security protocols such as enforcing strong passwords and two-factor authentication won't lead you astray either!

Stay up-to-date on the latest security threats

Staying up to date on the latest security threats is key to protecting personal data and private information. It's important to be mindful of current threats, and make sure that you check systems regularly and apply security updates in a timely manner. Keeping track of new vulnerabilities or malware strains can help ensure that any new attempts to breach existing security measures will either be detected early or blocked completely.

#1 Establish a schedule

In order to keep up with security news, it's beneficial to create a routine for monitoring sources such as websites, trade publications, security-focused mailing lists, security advisories from software vendors, security blogs or magazines, and alerts from security experts or industry resources. Additionally, subscribing to popular security newsletters can keep you apprised of the latest security awareness topics or news related to new security threats.

#2 Remember, prevention is key

You can also take preventative steps such as utilizing two-factor authentication, avoiding large file downloads, and running scans regularly are also essential for staying ahead of potential threats. Protecting personal data requires vigilance, but with the right measures in place, it can be done securely. By incorporating these basic yet important steps into your security strategy and processes, your organization can be better prepared for potential security incidents and any security breach.

Additional steps to protect your business against the latest security threats

Security threats can cause significant harm to your business. With ever-evolving cybercriminal tactics, staying ahead of potential security risks is a full-time job. Taking proactive steps to secure your data, networks and other resources should be the primary focus of your security strategy.

1. Update. Start by updating all computer operating systems and software regularly; patching vulnerabilities can help prevent exploitation by attackers.
2. Secure. Consider adding multiple layers of security such as firewalls, malware scanners and two-factor authentication.
3. Backup. Implement data backup procedures in case of an unexpected disaster or ransomware attack that results in data loss or corruption. A successful cyber security plan must also include staff training. This helps build an understanding of how best to protect access and data.
4. Encrypt. Ensure that sensitive data is encrypted before being shared over any public networks or on removable media devices.

By following these best practices, you can better shield your business from the latest security threats.

Create a cyber security plan

Creating a cyber security plan is an important and necessary step that every business should take. This helps ensure that your business networks and data remain protected from a security breach. Even small businesses with limited resources can benefit from establishing a comprehensive cyber security plan. By proactively constructing, implementing, and regularly updating a cyber security plan, businesses can protect themselves from malicious activities, such as data breaches, ransomware attacks and more.

Crafting a tailored plan allows for more control over how your organization will respond in the event of a cybersecurity incident. Without a plan in place, organizations may not be ready to handle any threats that arise within their systems.

Invest time in building a strong framework now. Determine what security measurements are needed and outline who is responsible for implantation and safeguarding of information. This can save your business time, money and disruption down the line.

Final Thoughts

Implementing security protocols can help make your business more secure, but it's important to remember that running a secure business is an ongoing process. You should be periodically testing your network and system security, staying up to date on the latest security threats, and responding quickly if you suspect access by unauthorized users within your network. If you're not sure where to start or how to keep your business secure, contact your managed services provider for assistance.

Visual Edge IT, Inc. (VEIT) specializes in managed IT services and security, cloud computing, and print/copy solutions for businesses across the U.S. including remote office locations. We offer a full line of office technology and services including 24/7 remote monitoring and administration of networks, service desk, and data backup and restore to improve business processes across a variety of industries. Plus, Visual Edge IT™ represents the industry’s leading manufacturers of office technology allowing businesses to get equipment, supplies and service from a single source. Backed by more than 20-years of technology service and a national network of expert engineers, VEIT is uniquely positioned to support business technology needs. The company is headquartered in North Canton, OH, USA. Request your no-obligation assessment today and get a free dark web analysis.