How to Enhance Your Business’ Cyber Security

Many small business owners think it’s only the big guys that have to worry about cyber threats. But a whopping 70 percent of cyber breaches involve small businesses, costing an average of $300,000 to recover. If your business was hit by hackers, could you afford to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars notifying customers and paying for legal expenses? Avoid the hassle by enhancing your business’ cyber security with these tips.

Educate Your Staff: Protecting the business’ digital presence falls into the hands of all employees. Teaching them to lock computers and avoid other risks is a huge step toward increased cyber security. Hold a seminar to inform them of common risks, which are often crimes of opportunity. Once they know what to watch for, it’s easier to protect sensitive data.

Change Passwords: Many employees lock their computers with passwords that are easy to crack. One way to beef up digital security is to regularly change passwords. In fact, many businesses require employees to change passwords every 60 to 90 days.

Encrypt Files: In addition to stronger password protection, it’s also beneficial to encrypt data. This is especially true of data that travels, such as access to a company server via laptop or tablet. If a hacker steals encrypted data, they often cannot access any sensitive information. And without a true leak, it becomes harder for customers to sue your business over the breach.

Be Prepared: Even with enhanced security, data breaches do happen. It’s best to plan for the worst so if cybercrime does occur, you can immediately take action according to your plan. One way to begin planning is to discuss cyber liability insurance with your independent insurance agent. This coverage cannot prevent an attack, but it can save your business from financial ruin.

Stay safe in a digital world. Call RCU Insurance Services for more information on cyber insurance.