Small Business Basics: A Cybersecurity Service Checklist For Start-Ups
Workforce Training, Network Protection, and Other Essential Services Cybersecurity Companies Provide
If you think cybersecurity is just for large corporations, think again.
Major companies have the budget and resources to keep data and networks secure under digital lock and key, and cybercriminals know they won’t be easy targets.
On the other hand, small companies and start-ups are more likely to have holes in their defenses. According to the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), small businesses are three times more likely to be targeted by cybercriminals than larger companies.
Cybersecurity services are arguably one of the most important investments you can make this year, no matter the size of your business. Let’s explore products and services that cybersecurity companies provide that will protect your start-up from data breaches and cyberattacks.
Why Cybersecurity Is Important For Startups
Data breaches, ransomware attacks, and phishing scams are costly mistakes most start-ups can’t afford to make. A single cyberattack can disrupt operations, damage your reputation, and lead to financial losses that are catastrophic for a new business.
Startups also handle sensitive data, whether it’s customer information, financial records, or intellectual property. Without proper cybersecurity, this data is at risk, and a breach can cause legal liabilities, regulatory fines, and loss of public trust.
Managed cybersecurity services protect businesses of all sizes. Although your small business may not need the robust fortress of defenses major companies like Apple and Amazon have, you should at least have the basics in place. Something is better than nothing when it comes to keeping cyberattackers at bay.
Workforce Cybersecurity Training
Workforce cybersecurity training is at the top of our list for a good reason. Statistically, over 90% of successful cyberattacks are due to human error. That means when there’s a breach or virus that makes its way onto your organization’s network, the most likely culprit is one of your employees unknowingly providing the access.
Workforce cybersecurity training helps employees identify threats like phishing emails, social engineering attacks, and unsafe online practices. By fostering a culture of security awareness, your business will significantly reduce the digital missteps that cause breaches.
Incident Response Planning
Incident response planning prepares businesses to identify, contain, and respond to cyber threats and IT disasters. Think of it as planning for all the worst-case digital scenarios that may occur, including ransomware attacks, natural disasters, insider threats, and more.
Incident response planning outlines the steps for restoring systems, data, and operations following a system failure or cyberattack. These plans minimize downtime, maintain business continuity, and protect against significant financial and reputational losses.
Network Protection
Your network is the heart of your IT infrastructure. Without it, you can’t transmit data, access information, or conduct essential business functions. Network protection secures this essential IT component by deploying firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and network segmentation. These measures prevent unauthorized access, protect sensitive data in transit, and ensure your network remains secure and reliable.
Endpoint Protection
Every digital device that connects to your network represents a point of entry, also known as endpoints. Unprotected endpoints are one of the most common ways cyber-attackers access devices and networks.
Cybersecurity companies perform endpoint protection on devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets with antivirus software, malware detection, and encryption. These measures keep network-connected devices secure.
Software Updates and Patches
New software has the most up-to-date security features. Outdated software, on the other hand, is easier to breach. The older the software, the bigger the hole it represents in your digital defenses.
Cybersecurity companies perform regular software updates and patches that address known vulnerabilities in operating systems, applications, and firmware. Keeping these systems current prevents cybercriminals from exploiting weaknesses.
Data Encryption
Your company’s data is one of your most prized assets. Now, imagine for a moment that it fell into the wrong hands, such as a direct competitor or cybercriminal. That could potentially lead to numerous outcomes – none of them good.
Fortunately, there’s a way to secure your data, even in the event of a breach. Data encryption secures sensitive information by converting it into unreadable formats. The readable formats are accessible only to authorized users. This keeps your data protected from unauthorized access, even if it’s intercepted or stolen.
Data Backups
Doing business in the digital age means preparing for worst-case scenarios. For example, would a flood that wiped out your servers mean the end of your business as you know it? Or just a temporary setback?
Data backups make all the difference when comparing these two outcomes. By having secure copies of your information stored offsite or in the cloud, you can restore business operations in a timely fashion without significant data loss.
Employee Access Control
Your workforce needs certain levels of network access to do their jobs, but rarely do they need access to everything. Employee access controls implement role-based permissions, meaning your staff can only access the data and systems that are necessary for their roles. This reduces the risk of internal breaches and unauthorized data exposure.
Remote Access Cybersecurity
With the adoption of remote and hybrid schedules, remote access cybersecurity is one of the most relevant cybersecurity services companies need. Remote access cybersecurity secures connections for remote workers by implementing virtual private networks (VPNs), endpoint protection, and access monitoring. These measures protect sensitive company data, even when accessed offsite.
Strong Password Policies
In the eyes of a cybercriminal, a weak password is like wet tissue paper; they’ll tear right through it. Unfortunately, weak passwords are among the most frequent human errors employees make.
Strong password policies enforce the use of unique, complex passwords across accounts and systems. By reducing the likelihood of password guessing or theft, your business can better secure its digital assets.
Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity through a second method, such as a one-time code or biometric scan. For example, if a cybercriminal managed to steal an employee’s password, they would also need the employee’s smartphone for the second form of authentication. This makes unauthorized access significantly more difficult.
Cybersecurity Services Are a Worthwhile Investment In Your Company’s Future
Don’t think of cybersecurity as optional or “nice to have.” When you consider the potential damage a single data breach can cause, cybersecurity is essential for protecting your business, customers, and reputation.
By following this cybersecurity checklist, your start-up can build a solid foundation to prevent cyberattacks and minimize their impact. The best first step to take is contacting a managed cybersecurity services provider.
After discussing the scope of your operation and business goals, a managed IT services provider can develop a cybersecurity services package that supports your needs, infrastructure, and growth plans.
