Worried about cyber attacks? Take these steps

Think your small business is safe from cyber criminals? Think again. Most small businesses across the country are remarkably vulnerable to hackers. It’s relatively simple for savvy cyber criminals to hack into your business’ Wi-Fi account, for example. From there, it’s an easy process for cyber criminals to steal your company’s data and money. Luckily for us, Entrepreneur Magazine recently ran a story providing tips for small business owners who wish to shield their companies from hackers. The good news? Combating cyber crimes quite often requires the easiest of steps.

Encryption Matters

Make certain the full-disk encryption tools on your company’s computers are turned on. When they are, these tools encrypt every file or program stored on your computers’ drives. This is significant because hackers would rather go after easy targets. Once they discover that your company’s key data are encrypted, they may move on in search of easier targets. On Macintosh computers, the encryption tool is named FileVault. On Windows-based machines, the tool is called BitLocker.

The Lockdown Approach

According to the Entrepreneur story, many cyber criminals first break into businesses to steal their computer equipment, especially laptops. After they have these devices, they can often hack into a business’ computer systems. That’s why it’s important for your employees to take advantage of their computers’ Kensington lock port, the small metal loop attached to most computers and laptops. Users can run cables through these loops to secure their laptop computers to their desks. This sounds strange, however, many criminals will see secured laptops and leave them. They don’t like to spend any extra time during their break-ins.

Wi-Fi Vulnerability

Often the simplest way for cyber thieves to gain access to your company accounts is thru your business’ Wi-Fi network. That’s why Entrepreneur Magazine suggests that you do away with Wi-Fi completely and instead install a wired network. If you can’t do that, at least protect your Wi-Fi accounts with passwords that are hard to crack. A good bet? Long passwords made from a mixture of letters, numbers and symbols.