A common misconception for small businesses is that hackers only target big companies, but unfortunately, this is not the case. The risk of breaches faced by small and medium-sized companies is much higher than you can imagine. Forty-three percent of cyber attacks target small businesses since they serve as gateways to access larger organizations. 

A successful cyber attack can cause devastating consequences to any business. If you haven’t been a victim of a phishing scam, a ransomware attack, or a malware infection, don’t let your guard down. Take the time to strengthen your cybersecurity.

Here are six ways to help protect yourself and your business against a wide range of cybercrimes today:

1. Buy security software. 

There are many risks that businesses can encounter when accessing the internet. With proper security, the safety of your business will be protected. That’s why you must consider using security software to protect against ransomware and other malicious software in business systems.

2. Set up and perform regular backups.

Losing all of your data is a nightmare. Backing up your data is one of the safest ways to ensure you’re proactive about your data’s security. With everything backed up, you can wipe everything clean in the event of an attack and restore them from your last good backup.

3. Take security awareness training seriously. 

With security awareness training, businesses can learn to identify potential threats and take appropriate steps to keep their business safe. It also lessens the possibility that hackers will trick you into disclosing personal or financial information.

4. Use strong and unique passwords.

Create strong passwords using at least eight characters and a combination of letters, symbols, and numbers. Also, avoid using the same password for multiple accounts and devices. If you’re finding it difficult to remember all the passwords, consider using a password manager. It is a software application designed to keep all your passwords safe in one place.

5. Patch operating systems. 

If you’ve ignored updates from Microsoft, Apple, Google, or other operating systems, avoid making the same mistake. Every piece of data on your phone is vulnerable to hacking without the latest security updates. Operating systems have many built-in functions to help prevent attacks. 

6. Get cyber insurance. 

Unfortunately, the above tips do not guarantee your business won’t get hacked, as cybercriminals will always be one step ahead. So, better safe than sorry, consider getting cybersecurity insurance to protect your business against the devastating financial consequences of a cyber-attack. Talk to an insurance agent to help you determine what coverage is right for your business.

Follow the best practices outlined above to avoid falling victim to cybercrime. The more obstacles you put in the way of the cyber thieves, the more likely they’ll become discouraged and move on to easier targets.