According to a Small Business Administration (SBA) survey, 88% of small business owners felt their business was vulnerable to a cyberattack. Yet many businesses can’t afford professional IT solutions, have limited time to devote to cybersecurity or don’t know where to begin.
The average cost of a single cyberattack against a small business in the United States is $25,612, according to the 2021 Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report. Plus, organizations risk additional fallout from a cyberattack or security breach, including negative media coverage, loss of consumer confidence and loyalty, litigation and a drop in revenue.
“Smaller businesses are especially vulnerable as they typically have fewer internal resources available to prevent or resolve cyberattacks,” said Thomas White, director of sales for UScellular in East Tennessee. “Businesses everywhere are struggling to address cybersecurity challenges and avoid security breaches. UScellular recommends all businesses work proactively to prevent these attacks.”
As cyberattacks continue to rise, UScellular provides information and advice on how to protect a business, employees and data from these crimes. In addition to having strong, hard-to-guess passwords, not giving out personal information online or opening unknown attachments, here are other tips that can help keep your business safe:
- Create a system security plan. This plan should include all practices that keep data secure, including identifying all security measures, training methods and incident-response plans for your business. A great place to start is the Federal Communications Commission’s Cybersecurity Planning Tool. This document outlines how to limit access to authorized users, keep data secure and respond to a security breach. It also can be used as an in-house training tool for employees.
- Use a remote tracking/wipe function if supported. For iOS devices, iCloud provides the “Find my iPhone” service for free. Android and other mobile operating systems have similar functionality. Being able to lock down a phone or completely wipe it clean remotely can prevent a lot of headaches if that phone were to get into the wrong hands.
- Enhance security with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA is a security enhancement that asks users to verify two pieces of information when logging in to an account. That second factor could be an app on a mobile device or receiving a phone call or text message, or even a one-time passcode.
- Keep your device software up to date. Unpatched software leaves your device vulnerable to attack. Install operating system updates, as well as updates to applications. Have anti-virus and/or anti-malware software installed, enabled and set to automatically update as well.
- Secure your networks. Protect your internet connection by using a firewall and encrypting information. If you have a Wi-Fi network, be sure it is secure and hidden. Set password-protect access to your router. Encrypt your laptops, especially if they contain restricted or sensitive information.
- Use wireless solutions to keep data safe. Employees need to be able to access information remotely, which means sensitive data is traveling with them everywhere. Solutions like Mobile Device Management allows you to monitor, manage and secure data across all employees’ mobile devices.
- Keep devices protected from online attacks. Lookout security is offered to some small business customers and provides phishing protection, $1 million identify theft insurance and more safety features in a single app.
About UScellular
UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com. Connect with UScellular on social media at facebook.com/uscellular, twitter.com/uscellular, instagram.com/uscellular, YouTube.com/uscellularcorp and linkedin.com/company/uscellular.