Many people dream of becoming entrepreneurs, and often the biggest...
Letting technology do the heavy lifting for certain monotonous tasks...
Overhead costs—from utilities and rent to administrative staffing—can...
Growth triggers a tidal wave of financial complexity,...
June 15, 2021
Small- and medium-size businesses often rely on innovative technology to flourish in the contemporary economy, but they also need to be conscious of the risks that new technologies pose.
Broadband and information technology help small businesses expand market reach while also enhancing production and efficiency. But the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals means businesses also need a cybersecurity system to protect themselves, their customers and their data from risk. Hackers and fraudsters prey on small and medium-sized companies, and if you operate a business, you may not be aware of how to protect your assets from intruders.
Here are some hacks to show you how to keep your company safe from hackers.
Establish fundamental security practices and regulations for workers, such as mandating secure passwords and proper internet use rules that spell out the consequences of breaching firm cybersecurity policy. In addition, create guidelines for how you manage and secure customer information and other sensitive data.
Maintain a clean machine: The most robust defenses against viruses, malware and other internet threats are the newest security software, web browsers and operating systems. Configure your antivirus software to scan after each update. Other essential software updates should be installed as soon as they become available.
A firewall is a collection of applications that work together to restrict unauthorized access to data on a private network. Ensure your operating system’s firewall is turned on, or download and install free firewall software from the Internet. If your workers are remote, make sure a firewall secures their computers.
Mobile devices can pose serious security and management problems, especially if they contain sensitive data or access the business network. To prevent thieves from stealing information when the phone is on a public network, users need to password-protect their devices, install security software and encrypt their data. Set up protocols for reporting missing or stolen equipment.
Create a backup for your data on all PCs regularly. Word processing papers, electronic spreadsheets, databases, financial files, human resources files, and accounts receivable/payable files are all examples of critical data. If feasible, back up data automatically or regularly store copies elsewhere or in the cloud.
Unauthorized persons should not be able to access or use company computers. Also, laptops are soft targets for theft or loss, so keep them secured while not in use. Ensure each employee has their own user account and that they use secure passwords. Also, only trusted IT employees and critical workers should be granted administrative rights.
If your office has a Wi-Fi network, make sure it is safe, encrypted and hidden. Set up your wireless access point or router so it does not broadcast the name of the network, also known as the Service Set Identifier, to hide your Wi-Fi network or SSID. The router’s access must be password-protected.
Collaborate with banks or processors to guarantee that the most reliable and verified technologies and anti-fraud services are employed. Your bank or processor may impose additional security responsibilities as part of your arrangement. Separate payment systems from other less-secure programs, and avoid processing payments and surfing the Internet on the same computer.
Access to all data systems should not be given to a single individual. Employees must only have access to the data systems they require for their tasks, and there must be a security policy for the installation of software.
Employees should be asked to use unique passwords and update them every three months. In addition, consider using multifactor authentication, which requires more information than just a password to obtain access. Check with your sensitive data providers, notably banking institutions, to discover if multifactor authentication is available for your account.
You can also employ a two-step verification technique that necessitates a login and password plus a piece of information that is only available to the user – such as a code delivered to their phone. Hackers will have a more challenging time gaining access to critical data with this new layer of security.
Our team is made up of seasoned professionals who bring years of industry experience to the table. You gain a trusted advisor who understands your business inside out.
Say goodbye to the hassles of hiring, training and managing in-house finance teams. You will never have to worry about unexpected leave of absence or retraining new employees.
Whether you’re a small business or a global powerhouse, our solutions scale with your needs. We eliminate inefficiencies, reduce costs and help you focus on growing your business.
Overhead costs—from utilities and rent to administrative staffing—can quietly swell until they erode profit margins and slow your ability to...
Growth triggers a tidal wave of financial complexity, multi-entity operations, new product lines, overseas expansion, or investor relations. If your...
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) can dramatically alter a company’s trajectory—unlocking new markets, technologies, or customer bases. Yet, many deals stumble...
Working capital: The difference between your current assets and your current liabilities. It’s a key barometer of financial health. While...
Expanding your team and capabilities is critical to sustaining growth—but the question often arises: Should you build an in-house department...
A Chief Financial Officer (CFO) isn’t just a numbers person anymore. Modern CFOs play a pivotal role in shaping strategy,...
Once your annual revenue surpasses $10 million, you attract more attention from regulators, partners, and customers, especially regarding data privacy....
Hiring is one of the most pivotal processes in any organization, particularly for a medium-sized business looking to scale. Yet...
At Escalon, we are committed to keeping our clients informed about the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities across the industries...