Cybersecurity Doesn't Have to Break the Bank: Essential Tips for SMBs

Running a small business is no easy feat. You're juggling a million things, from managing your team to keeping customers happy. Cybersecurity might feel like a luxury you can't afford, or a problem for bigger companies. But here's the alarming reality: 60% of small businesses go out of business within a year of experiencing a cyberattack. (Source: Cybersecurity Ventures)

The good news? You don't need a massive budget to protect your business. But you do need the right people in place. Having a skilled IT project manager with a strong understanding of cybersecurity is essential to building a secure foundation for your business.

Practical Tips:

1. Lock Down Your Accounts: Think of your passwords like the keys to your business. Make them strong (long, unique, with a mix of characters) and use multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. Enabling MFA can block over 99% of account compromise attacks. (Source: Microsoft) Your IT project manager can help implement and enforce strong password policies and MFA across your organization.
   
   
2. Update, Update, Update: Software updates aren't just about getting new features; they often include crucial security patches that fix vulnerabilities hackers could exploit. Exploiting vulnerabilities is the attack vector in nearly three-quarters of breaches, highlighting the importance of patching software promptly. (Source: Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report 2024) A skilled IT project manager can ensure that your systems are updated regularly and that security patches are applied promptly.
3. Back It Up: Imagine losing all your important data to a ransomware attack. Ouch! Regular backups are your safety net. Ransomware was present in almost one-third of breaches (Source: Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report 2024) Back up your data to an external hard drive or a secure cloud service, so you can recover it if the worst happens.
   
   some text
   • Need a hand with this? Links Technology offers secure and customized Backup & Disaster Recovery services. We can help you ensure your data is protected and easy to recover, even in the face of a disaster.
4. Train Your Team: Your employees are your first line of defense. Train them to recognize phishing scams, suspicious links, and other common cyber threats. The human element was involved in 68% of breaches. (Source: Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report 2024) A little awareness can go a long way in preventing costly mistakes. An IT project manager can play a key role in developing and implementing security awareness training programs for your employees. To learn more about the importance of cybersecurity skills and how to upskill your team, check out our blog post on Mitigating Risk, Maximizing ROI: The Power of Cybersecurity Upskilling. 
   • Need a hand with this? Links Technology can also help you implement effective security awareness training using KnowBe4, the world's largest security awareness training platform.
     
     
5. Get the Basics Right:Even free or low-cost security software can provide essential protection. Install antivirus and anti-malware software on all your computers, and use a firewall to block unauthorized access to your network. Ransomware and extortion attacks now account for nearly two-thirds of all cyberattacks, with a median loss of $46,000. (Source: Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report 2024) A knowledgeable IT project manager can help you choose and implement the right security software for your business needs.
6. Staff Up for Security: Your employees are your first line of defense, but are you equipped to handle today's threats? In the past year, nearly 90% of organizational leaders said they experienced a breach that they can partially attribute to a lack of cyber skills. (Source: Fortinet 2024 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report) Finding and retaining qualified cybersecurity professionals is more critical than ever. But the reality is, many organizations struggle to fill these essential roles. This can lead to:
   
   
   • Increased vulnerability to attacks: A lack of skilled security personnel can leave your systems and data exposed to cyber threats.
   • Higher breach costs: When attacks do occur, the costs of recovery and remediation can be significantly higher if you don't have the right team in place to respond effectively.
   • Slower incident response times: Without adequate staffing, it can take longer to identify, contain, and recover from a cyberattack, leading to greater disruption and damage.

Call to Action:

Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. By taking these simple steps and having the right IT talent in place, you can significantly reduce your risk and protect your business's future. If you're struggling to find qualified cybersecurity professionals, our blog post on Staying Ahead of the Curve: Staffing for the Future of Cybersecurity offers valuable insights and solutions. To understand why human intelligence is crucial in cybersecurity, read our blog post on Human Intelligence vs. Artificial Threats: Why Cybersecurity Requires a Human-Centric Approach.

Need help finding a skilled IT project manager with cybersecurity expertise? Links Technology can help! We specialize in connecting businesses with top IT talent who can champion cybersecurity within your organization.

And be sure to download our free Cybersecurity Checklist for SMBs! This handy checklist summarizes the essential steps to protect your business from cyber threats. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you build a secure foundation for your business's success! 

‍