In recent years, cyber security has become a top priority for small businesses. Constant attacks, tightening regulations, and waning client trust mean that these companies are under more pressure than ever to protect sensitive data. Unfortunately, that can be easier said than done.
One of the biggest challenges small businesses face is a simple lack of knowledge. Tighter budgets mean less in-house expertise, which makes it extremely difficult to implement effective security measures. Fortunately, there’s a solution. All you need is the right guidance.
Cyber Security and Small Businesses: How a Checklist Helps
While every small business knows that cyber security is important, fewer understand how to build a strong defensive posture. Without foundational knowledge, this task becomes overwhelming. Businesses have no idea where to begin, and often end up missing critical vulnerabilities as a result.
A defined checklist solves this core issue. It provides the structure businesses need to address common vulnerabilities, without requiring them to already have in-depth security knowledge. After a security audit has been completed, the checklist can also be used to confirm that all measures were implemented correctly, reducing the likelihood of errors. These features make it a powerful tool for any small business trying to improve their security posture.
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The 10-Point Small Business Cyber Security Checklist
1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
If your team can access sensitive accounts using only a username and password, they’re not secure. One successful phishing scam is enough to uncover this information and gain access. MFA prevents this from happening by requiring a second form of verification before letting a user into their account.
- Enable MFA on all accounts.
- Lay out clear governance policies (for instance, are staff allowed to use the “remember me” button as they log in?).
- Develop a Plan B for circumstances where an employee genuinely cannot log in using their normal MFA method (e.g. the device they typically use has been stolen or lost).
2. Software and Patch Management
Software updates are very often seen as an annoying distraction, and are thus neglected. This is extremely dangerous, as these updates often patch out known vulnerabilities that a threat actor might otherwise exploit.
- Automate software updates where possible.
- Check regularly for new patches that might have been missed.
- Replace software as it reaches end-of-life.
- Document your update and patching schedule.
3. Access Controls
While it might seem easier to give every staff member access to every part of your IT infrastructure, all this does is create extra attack vectors. The more accounts there are at a given moment in time, the easier it becomes for threat actors to reach sensitive data.
- Review who has access to which accounts and data.
- Delete accounts that are no longer in use (for instance, if the staff member left the organisation).
- Apply the principle of least privilege: if they don’t need access to perform in their role, they shouldn’t have it.
4. Endpoint Protection
Devices (such as computers, laptops, or tablets) represent another potential vulnerability. These are especially vulnerable to malware and viruses, and must be protected at all times.
- Install antivirus software.
- Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions.
- Enforce endpoint security (for example, employees must lock the device each time they step away).
5. Data Backup and Recovery
Reliable backups are your last line of defence against certain cyber-attacks (such as ransomware) and the data loss they can incur. They also protect you against other incidents, such as accidental deletion or a sudden outage.
- Schedule automatic data backups.
- Define your recovery point objective (RPO) and recovery time objective (RTO).
- Ensure that at least three copies of data exist at all times, across two different media, with at least one remaining offsite.
- Test that restoration processes work as expected.
6. Email Security
Email conversations contain some of the most sensitive information your business will ever handle. This data is often easier to intercept than you might expect. Email security measures are crucial to prevent this.
- Enable spam filtering.
- Provide clear guidance on which information can and cannot be sent via email.
- Implement authentication protocols.
7. Network Security
Often, after breaching your business, the first thing a threat actor will do is attempt to move laterally into your networks. This is because they provide immediate access to your entire IT infrastructure. Protecting them is essential.
- Segment networks.
- Implement a next-generation firewall, and ensure rules are regularly reviewed.
- Consider using virtual private networks (VPNs) to help secure remote devices.
8. Staff Security Awareness
Technological defences can only do so much on their own. Your employees need to back them up with strong security practices. Without this crucial piece of the puzzle, all your work could come undone.
- Educate employees on common cyber threats and prevention techniques.
- Provide practical sessions to test what they’ve learned.
- Implement a system that allows staff to report a potential data breach.
- Reward those who go above and beyond to prevent cyber incidents.
9. Incident Response Planning
You might implement all the strongest cyber security solutions for small businesses, and still experience a breach. In this scenario, your disaster recovery plan will make the difference between a minor hiccup, and serious financial losses.
- Build an incident response plan that considers all angles and clearly assigns crucial responsibilities.
- Test it thoroughly, to ensure it holds up during real emergencies.
- Place copies in easily accessed locations.
10. Third-Party Risk Management
Modern threat actors often target businesses laterally – they attack a vendor or partner first, then reach dozens of other organisations through them. This allows them to essentially bypass your security measures. It’s not enough to protect your own business, you must also ensure all third parties are doing their part.
- Vet out vendors and partners to ensure they meet your security requirements.
- Adopt Zero Trust architecture – any access request is treated as a potential threat, regardless of where it originates.
- Keep an eye on the news, so you can be made aware of any third-party breaches early.
Defend Your Business Against Common Threats
Cyber-attacks aren’t going anywhere, but that doesn’t mean small business owners need to live in fear. The checklist above provides a solid starting point. Work your way through it, implementing each measure, and you’ll already be in a much better position to prevent data breaches from disrupting your growth.
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