101 Security for the small business

small business basic security advice in bullet points...

• Use strong passwords and change them regularly
• Install and update anti-virus software
• Secure your network with a firewall and keep it updated
• Back up your data regularly
• Train your employees on basic security practices
• Use two-factor authentication whenever possible
• Keep your software and operating system up-to-date with security patches
• Use a VPN for remote access to sensitive information
• Be cautious of suspicious emails and websites
• Limit access to sensitive information to only those who need it
• Implement a data breach response plan in case of an incident.

Just some examples...:

• Strong passwords: Use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. For example, instead of "password123", use "P@ssw0rd!23".
• Anti-virus software: Install reputable anti-virus software like Norton or McAfee and keep it up-to-date with the latest virus definitions.
• Firewall: Set up a firewall to monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic and block any unauthorized access to your network.
• Data backup: Back up important data regularly to an external hard drive or cloud-based service to prevent data loss in case of system failure or cyber attack.
• Employee training: Provide training sessions to educate employees about basic security practices such as identifying phishing emails, not sharing passwords, and avoiding suspicious websites.
• Two-factor authentication: Use a second layer of security like a text message code or biometric verification to verify user identity in addition to a password.
• Software updates: Install software and operating system updates regularly to patch known security vulnerabilities and protect against cyber threats.
• VPN: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt network traffic and provide secure remote access to sensitive information.
• Suspicious emails: Train employees to identify and report suspicious emails that may contain phishing scams or malware.
• Access control: Use access controls to limit access to sensitive data to only authorized personnel who need it for their work.
• Data breach response plan: Develop a plan that outlines the steps to take in case of a data breach, including communication with affected parties and data recovery procedures.