You can protect your business from a cyber attack

Think your small business is safe from cyber criminals? Rethink it. Most small businesses across the country are remarkably vulnerable to hackers. It’s relatively simple for savvy cyber criminals to hack into your business’ Wi-Fi account, for instance. From there, it’s an easy process for cyber criminals to steal your company’s data and funds. Thankfully, Entrepreneur Magazine recently ran an article offering tips for small business owners who want to protect their companies from hackers. The good news? Thwarting cyber crimes sometimes requires the easiest of steps.

Encryption

Make certain the full-disk encryption tools on your company’s computers are switched on. When they are, these tools encrypt every file or program stored on your computers’ drives. This is important mainly because hackers would prefer to go after easy targets. Once they realize that your company’s key data are encrypted, they will often move on searching for easier targets. On Macintosh computers, the encryption tool is labeled FileVault. On Windows-based machines, the tool is known as BitLocker.

Lockdown

According to the Entrepreneur story, many cyber criminals first physically break into businesses to steal their computer equipment, especially laptops. After they have these devices, they can often hack into a business’ computer systems. That’s why it’s important for your employees to take advantage of their computers’ Kensington lock port, the small metal loop installed on most computers and laptops. Users can run cables through these loops to secure their laptop computers to their desks. This sounds strange, but many criminals will spot secured laptops and move on. They don’t want to spend any extra time during their break-ins.

Wi-Fi Vulnerability

Wi-Fi networks are often vulnerable to hackers. That’s why Entrepreneur Magazine suggests that businesses rely on wired networks instead. If your business absolutely needs a Wi-Fi network, make sure to protect it using a difficult password. Entrepreneur Magazine recommends a password consisting of letters, numbers and symbols. Write down this password and hide it in a safe or other secure spot.