6 Top Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses During Cybersecurity Month

October is Cybersecurity Month, making it the perfect time for small businesses to review and strengthen their digital defences. Whether you're using social media, hosting websites, conducting meetings via online platforms, or managing emails, these tips will help you keep your business safe.

1. Secure Your Social Media Accounts

Social media is key for promoting and engaging with customers, so it’s essential keep these accounts secure.

• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add a second layer of verification to access your accounts, making it harder for cybercriminals to gain entry. In fact, you should enable MFA on all your online accounts wherever it’s available.
• Monitor Account Activity: Keep an eye out for any unusual posts, comments, or login attempts.
• Use Unique, Strong Passwords: Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. Ideally, use a password manager like as 1Password or Dashlane to store strong passwords.

2. Protect Your Website from Copycat Attacks

If you run a website, it’s important to prevent cybercriminals from creating copycat websites that can harm your brand.

• Register Multiple Domain Variations: Purchase similar domain names to prevent others from creating sites that imitate yours.
• Implement SSL Certificates: Make sure your website uses HTTPS to provide a secure connection for visitors.
• Monitor for Fake Sites: Keep an eye out for any suspicious sites that look similar to yours and take immediate action if needed.

3. Safeguard Online Meetings

With many businesses relying on platforms like Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or Zoom, securing your online meetings is crucial.

• Use Meeting Passwords: Set a password to join meetings and only share it with those attending.
• Restrict File Sharing: Limit or disable file sharing during meetings to reduce the risk of spreading malware.
• Control Access: Use features like waiting rooms or lobbies to control who joins your online meetings.

4. Secure Your Domain and Web Hosting

If you use your own domain and web hosting services, it’s essential to keep them secure to prevent unauthorised access.

• Choose a Trusted Domain Provider: Use a reputable provider like Zen for web hosting and domain services to ensure top security. Explore Zen's services.
• Keep CMS and Plugins Updated: If you use a Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress, keep it (and any plugins) regularly updated to fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited.
• Use Strong, Unique Passwords for Hosting Accounts: Avoid sharing login details and implement M FA where possible.

5. Email Security

Emails are a common entry point for cyberattacks like phishing, so it’s crucial to keep them secure.

• Enable Spam Filters: Use spam filters to block suspicious emails, especially on Outlook or Gmail.
• Train Your Team to Spot Phishing: Educate your employees on recognising phishing attempts, such as fake links or suspicious attachments.
• Encrypt Sensitive Emails: Use encryption tools to secure emails that contain sensitive information. Services like DocuSign are available for securely sending documents but remain cautious as DocuSign is commonly spoofed by attackers in phishing campaigns.
• Limit User Permissions: Only permit your staff access to systems and resources needed for their role. This helps reduce the risk of damage should an account be compromised.

6. Backup Your Data

Data loss can happen at any time, whether it’s from a cyberattack or hardware failure, so having a backup strategy is essential. That strategy should include regularly testing your backups by running restores to ensure their integrity.

• Automate Backups: Set automatic backups for your website and important files to avoid data loss.
• Store Backups in the Cloud: Use cloud storage with encryption for additional security. Ideally, keep multiple backups, with at least one offsite, to protect against network attacks.

By following these practical tips, small businesses can significantly reduce their cybersecurity risks and protect their digital assets. Taking proactive steps this Cybersecurity Month is a great way to strengthen your defences and keep your business secure all year round!