Companies must be agile and capable to take advantage of a wide variety of devices and apps connected in all your employees and vendors to improve efficiency, increase incomes and boost better business results. But as our network grow to satisfy those demands, they become more complex, limiting our visibility, reduce our access control and inhibits detection and containment of threats.

Besides, in this current remote work enviroment that is quickly expanding, with VPN connection enlarged and wireless access exploding, vulnerabilities are much more higher, faster and expensive, leading organizations to be more proactive against attacks. But….

How do organizations run security for the whole enterprise when they are already overwhelmed by the real threats that are occurring now?

It’s easy to think that due to being a small company, hackers won’t attack you. The “there is not much to steal” mentality is common among small business owners regarding cybersecurity, which is completely wrong and not synchronized with the current cybersecurity better practices.

Actually, the U.S. Small Business Committee found that 71% of cyberattacks ocurred in companies with less than 100 employees. Even more worrying, the report about the cybersecurity status in small and medium business of 2016 by Ponemon & Keeper found that 50% of small and medium business has had a security breach in the past year.

But, why small business are attacked with more frecuency that the big ones? Almost every cyberattack is for getting personal data so they can use credit cards or identify thefts. While big business usually have more data to steal, small business have networks with less security, facilitating network violation.

How can your business avoid being a cyberattack victim?

1. Use a firewall

One of the first lines of defense in a cyberattack is a firewall. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recommends that all PYMES establish a firewall to provide a barrier between your data and cybercriminals. Besides the standard external firewall, many companies are beginning to install internal firewalls to provide additional protection. It’s also important that employees who work from their homes also install a firewall in their local network. Consider provide a firewall software and local network support to guarantee compliance.

2. Educate your employees

Employees often wears many hats in PYMES, so it is essential that all employees who access to the network receive training about better practices and security policies in your business network.

Given that the policies are evolving as the cybercriminals become smarter, it’s essential to have periodic updates about new protocols. To hold account employees, make that every one of them sign a document indicading that he has been informed about the policies and understand that actions can be taken if they don’t follow security policies.

3. Apply safe practices for passwords

Yes, employees have a hard time changing passwords. Nevertheless, the report of Data Breach Investigations Report of 2016 from Verizon, found that 63% of data breaches ocurred due to lost, stolen or weak passwords. According to the Keeper Security and Ponemon Institute Report, 65% of the PYMES with password policies, they don’t enforce it. Today, is essential that all devices that employees access to the company’s network are safe with password.

Security is a goal in motion. Cyber criminals go foward every day. To protect your data as much as possible, it’s very important that every employee makes cybersecurity a top priority. And most important of all, being updated with the latest trends on attacks and the most recent technology prevention.

Learn more about how our team of cybersecurity specialists can create a safe space in your business. Connect with our professionals now +56 9 5413 5320 / +56 9 6676 4809 for chat or e-mail us at: contacto@measuredsecurity.cl