Cybersecurity Best Practices for SMBs
- BAE Networks
- May 7
- 3 min read
Protect Data, Prevent Breaches, and Strengthen IT Security
According to a Q1 2024 survey by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, small businesses are most concerned about cybersecurity attacks. Small- and medium-sized businesses are often a prime target for cybercriminals, as they often lack the robust security measures of large enterprises. These criminals take advantage of outdated software, poor password practices, and even your staff’s trusting nature.
In this post, we’ll discuss practical, cost-effective steps you can take to implement cybersecurity best practices to safeguard the information of your company and your clients.
Hold Training for Your Team
Your team can be a liability to your cybersecurity. Teaching them about the different threat actors allows them to move from potential liability to security asset. Training your team about phishing emails, social engineering, the importance of strong passwords, and other key topics will set them up for success in protecting sensitive information.
Implement Multifactor Authentication
Whether this is through an authenticator code generator, text message, or email, Multifactor Authentication (MFA) creates an additional layer of security for your accounts. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of MFA in its Cyber Guidance for Small Businesses blog. While it may seem inconvenient to go through multiple steps just to log into your computer, having your sensitive data compromised is far worse.
Carry Out Risk Assessment
Running a risk assessment allows you to identify possible threats to your company’s network. Once you find the threats, you create a plan to not only close the gaps, but to routinely check them. Performing this assessment also includes reviewing who has access to your business, both digitally and physically, and limiting access where needed.
Re-evaluate Existing Technology Usage Policies
Technology is constantly changing, which is why your policy needs to be routinely refreshed. From internet to mobile phone, social media to laptops, covering all forms of technology in your company-wide usage policy is essential. Establishing basic security guidelines creates a universal understanding of what is acceptable. These guidelines need to cover proper handling of client information, especially if your business has government regulations – such as HIPAA, CMMC, etc. – that it must adhere to.
Install Firewall and Endpoint Protection Measures
A firewall is an appliance-based security system that stands between your private network and the public internet. It blocks unauthorized access based on specific parameters you set forth. To complement the firewall, use an endpoint protection platform, which uses AI; machine learning; and analytics to detect threats in your endpoint devices.
Managed Detection and Response (MDR) leverages human expertise to build on the benefits of Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR). Having an entire team monitoring your endpoints for potential threats at all hours adds another level of protection to your firewall.
If malicious behavior is detected on any of your team’s devices, the software will attack it. Having a routinely updating firewall and MDR measures in place will keep your information secure against ever-evolving threats.
Where to Start
These small steps help promote cybersecurity practices at your small- or medium-sized business. Implementing each tip over a set timeframe can help make stronger security practices more attainable, as trying to do everything at once can lead to overlooked details.
If the idea of applying these steps – among others – feels overwhelming, know that you don’t have to do it alone. The team of IT experts at BAE Networks is ready to tackle these tasks for you, along with managing the regular updates, analyzing suspicious activities, and being available for your team 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
Contact our team at (248) 707-1040 to begin protecting your information, your team, and your clients.
