For Small Business Owners
Data Backup Plan
- Identify critical data: Customer info, financial records, employee data, intellectual property.
- Choose backup methods:
- Local backups: External hard drives/USB (encrypted).
- Cloud backups: Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Backblaze.
- Hybrid approach: Combine both for redundancy.
- Automate backups: Schedule daily/weekly backups (use tools like Time Machine, Windows Backup).
- Test backups: Restore files quarterly to ensure they work.
Cybersecurity Basics
- Secure devices:
- Install antivirus/anti-malware (e.g., Bitdefender, Malwarebytes).
- Enable firewalls (Windows Defender, macOS Firewall).
- Update software: Enable auto-updates for OS, apps, and plugins.
- Use strong passwords:
- Require 12+ characters with numbers/symbols.
- Avoid reuse across accounts.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): For email, banking, and cloud tools.
Employee Training
- Educate staff on:
- Phishing scams (how to spot suspicious emails/links).
- Safe browsing habits (avoiding risky websites).
- Password hygiene (use a password manager like LastPass or 1Password).
- Create a security policy: Outline rules for data handling, device use, and remote work.
Network Security
- Secure Wi-Fi:
- Change default router login/password.
- Use WPA3 encryption (or WPA2 if WPA3 isn’t available).
- Hide SSID if possible.
- VPN for remote work: Require employees to use a VPN (e.g., NordVPN, ExpressVPN) on public Wi-Fi.
Access Control
- Limit permissions: Grant employees access only to data they need (least privilege principle).
- Revoke access promptly: When employees leave or change roles.
- Use separate accounts: Admin vs. standard user accounts for daily tasks.
Incident Response Plan
- Prepare for breaches:
- Designate a response team (who to contact: IT, legal, customers?).
- Document steps (isolate systems, notify stakeholders, report to authorities if needed).
- Backup recovery plan: Know how to restore data quickly after ransomware/attacks.
Compliance & Legal
- Follow regulations:
- GDPR (if handling EU customer data).
- HIPAA (healthcare businesses).
- State laws (e.g., California’s CCPA).
- Encrypt sensitive data: Use tools like VeraCrypt or built-in device encryption.
Regular Audits
- Monthly check:
- Review backup logs for failures.
- Scan for unauthorized devices on your network.
- Annual review:
- Update security policies.
- Assess new threats (subscribe to cybersecurity newsletters like Krebs on Security).
Bonus Tips
- Free tools: Use Have I Been Pwned to check for breached accounts.
- Insurance: Consider cyber liability insurance for financial protection.
- Physical security: Lock servers/backup drives and restrict office access.