Cyber Security Basics

According to the National Small Business Association, 44 percent of small businesses reported being the victim of a cyber-attack, with an average cost of approximately $9,000 per attack.

I recently attended a training on cybersecurity with Manufacturing Solutions from Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Below are some steps I learned you can take to lessen the chances your small business will be attacked. 

1. Train your employees: Employees should use strong passwords or phrases and they should never click on unknown links. Hold employees accountable to your company’s internet security policies and procedures.

2. Back Up Your Data: Backup data automatically if possible, or at least weekly and store the copies either offsite or in the cloud.

3. Limit employee access to data and information; limit authority to install software: Do not provide any one employee with access to all data systems. Employees should only be given access to the specific data systems that they need for their jobs, and should not be able to install any software without permission.

4. Secure your Wi-Fi: Secure your internet connection by using a firewall, encrypt information, and hide your Wi-Fi network. 

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’VE BEEN COMPROMISED: 

• Inform local law enforcement or the state attorney general office.
• Report stolen finances or identities and other cybercrimes to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.
• Report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1.
• Report computer or network vulnerabilities to US-CERT via the hotline: 1-888-282-0870 or www.us-cert.gov. 

Another good resource is Georgia Procurement Technical Assistance Center’s training video at http://gtpac.org/cybersecurity-training-video/.