How Can Small Biz Owners Combat Cyber Attacks
In addition to the physical threats of theft and violence in the workplace, small business owners are faced with an unseen enemy that grows increasingly more complex to defeat. The activities on the dark web and the sophistication of hacking and data breach threats have turned cybersecurity threats into one of the most alarming concerns for all industries’ business owners. Small business owners don’t often have the IT support and experience needed for a thorough defense against cyber attacks, but there are ways to be prepared and put up a good fight.
Combatting Cyber Threats
Cyber threats come in multiple forms, and your defense should be multi-faceted as well. Your strategy against attacks should start with Dayville Cyber Liability insurance coverage. Cyber attacks are not just dangerous for your company’s data, but they are devastating to your finances as well. Cyber liability coverage is a way to address the financial loss that can result from an attack.
Types of Cyber Insurance
Though a wide range of attacks has an equally broad impact on your business, cyber insurance is often categorized into four coverage areas.
- Network business interruption
- Network security and privacy
- Media liability
- Errors and omissions
These categories are where the types of threats or attacks fall for coverage, with more specific policies including reputation insurance, network security, extortion, fraud or theft, data loss and restoration, and business interruption. Insurance is support for post-attack losses, but your business should have risk-mitigation strategies in place to reduce the possibility of falling victim to an attack.
Types of Mitigation Strategies
Your mitigation strategy is about protecting your business, your employees, and your consumers. The threats vary for each party affected, but sometimes, the threats come from within. Here are several strategies to put in place to mitigate your risks.
Establish IT Protocols and Training
Your employees need a solid understanding of the threats you face and be trained in the protocols that address the threats. Establish strong password policies and Internet use expectations and guidelines. Outline the consequences for violating any of the cybersecurity or IT policies that are established.
Establish Firewall Protection
All of your devices should be protected by a firewall. There are several free firewall software programs available online, but your devices may also have a firewall service that needs to be running. Third-party IT companies are an affordable way to have extra protection and monitoring assistance.
Establish Off-Site Data Backups
Keep regular backups of your company’s data (from all computers or devices) off-site or stored in the cloud. Critical data that can be held for ransom includes databases, spreadsheets, employee, consumer or vendor files, and company financials. Have backups done at least once a week and conducted automatically.
Facing the Threat
Small businesses are at high risk for cyberattacks. Best practices and mitigation strategies can make it possible to face the threats head-on with greater success.
About Byrnes Agency
At Byrnes Agency, we offer insurance solutions that can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for personal policies or commercial coverage,
we have the right coverage for you. To learn more about our products, contact us today at one of our two locations.
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Dayville Office
Phone: (860) 774-8549
394 Lake Rd
Dayville, CT 06241
United States
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