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4 Cybersecurity Tips Every Business Owner Needs to Know

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and this year, the international initiative  CISA and NCA are promoting four recommendations to increase an individual’s security against cyber threats.

Step #1 — Think Before You Click: Recognize and Report Phishing

When it comes to cybersecurity, business owners need to be vigilant to protect their companies from attacks. One of the most common ways that hackers gain access to company networks is through phishing scams. Phishing is a type of cyber attack that uses fraudulent emails or websites to trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.

While it can be difficult to spot a phishing email or website, there are some red flags that you can look for. For example, phishing emails often contain typos or grammatical errors, and they may try to create a sense of urgency by claiming that your account has been compromised. If you receive an email or visit a website that looks suspicious, do not click on any links or enter any information. Instead, report it to your IT department or security team.

Step #2 — Update Your Software

As a business owner, you know that cybersecurity is important to protect your company’s data. But what you may not realize is that one of the most important things you can do to keep your data safe is to keep your software up-to-date.

One of the reasons updates are so important is that they often patch security vulnerabilities. When a new vulnerability is discovered, hackers will try to exploit it to gain access to systems. By keeping your software up-to-date, you can close these security holes before hackers have a chance to take advantage of them.

Updates can also help improve performance and fix bugs. In some cases, they may even add new features that can make your work easier or improve security in other ways. Either way, it’s always a good idea to install updates as soon as they’re available.

Step #3 — Use Strong Passwords

As a business owner, you know how important it is to keep your company’s information safe and secure. One of the best ways to do this is by using strong passwords for all of your accounts.

Here are some tips for creating strong passwords that will help keep your business safe from cyber attacks:

  • Use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols in your passwords.
  • Avoid using easily guessed words like “password” or your company name.
  • Make your passwords at least 8 characters long for extra security.
  • Change your passwords regularly to keep them fresh and difficult to guess.
  • Use a password manager to help you keep track of all your different passwords.

By following these tips, you can make sure that your business stays safe from cyber criminals who are looking to steal sensitive information.

Step #4 — Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

In the age of digital information, it’s more important than ever for businesses to take cybersecurity seriously. One of the best ways to protect your data is to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA).

MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide not just a password, but also the second piece of information, like a PIN or fingerprint. This makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to your systems.

If you’re not already using MFA, now is the time to start. It’s a simple and effective way to help keep your business safe from cyber-attacks.

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