No matter the size of your business, cybersecurity needs to be a top priority – because hackers aren’t only interested in national and global companies. In fact, you could argue that small businesses are more interesting to hackers simply because they tend not to focus on cybersecurity.

But don’t be scared – just be smart! Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated. These tips will help you get started.

• Use a firewall. The operating system on your computers may have a software firewall, but consider installing a more advanced version – or a hardware firewall that protects all the devices on your business network.
• Consider the unique needs of your employees. Cyber-security for people who work on-site may be different from cyber-security for people who work remotely – and remote employees may require different training to stay cyber-secure.
• If your business stores (or uses) data relating to credit cards, bank accounts, or other sensitive information, consider putting an encryption program in place. (Encryption secures data by converting the information into unreadable codes.)
• Don’t forget your mobile devices! So many people use their smartphones as secondary computers – sending email, handling banking, communicating about key issues with the rest of the team. How can you and your team protect your devices from hackers? There are lots of options:

1. Use a virtual private network to access business materials or communicate about sensitive subjects when you use public WiFi networks.
2. If budget permits, provide your team with work-only devices, to help prevent them from mixing their personal communications with work-related communications.
3. As your employees to password-protect their mobile devices, install security apps, and encrypt their data.
4. Develop reporting procedures for lost or stolen phones and devices.

• Go back to basics. Some of the best ways to preserve your cyber-security are the simplest:

1. Train your employees on cyber-security techniques – and offer refresher trainings on a regular basis. They are the people on the front lines – and they can be the strongest line of defense for your business.
2. Create strong passwords for all your accounts. Use multi-factor authentication whenever possible; and use a password manager to keep track of all the passwords (allowing you to give only the people who need it access to particular accounts or services).
3. Update and back-up regularly. How regularly? Update your operating system or software whenever updates are offered to you – and back-up your data at least once a week (unless you’re able to do it more frequently, like once a day).

• Train your team to recognize the signs of phishing emails, ploys to get them to download malware, and other malicious software. Make sure people check links before clicking them (hover the mouse over them to see if the URL they will go to is actually the URL they expect to go to).

For more than 30 years, Beall Financial and Insurance Services, Inc., has been helping corporations and individuals protect their most important assets. The agency’s client base covers a spectrum of niche businesses, such as craft breweries, that require specialized insurance packages and knowledge. With California offices in Redlands and Newport Beach, Beall Financial and Insurance Services serves clients nationwide.