Cybersecurity

In 2022, the average cost of a data breach was $4.4 million. Not only will a data breach hurt your business financially, but it can also damage your reputation and relationships with customers.

If you process and/or retain any sensitive customer data in your business, you need to take serious steps to protect it. Putting the proper security measures in place now can save you from major headaches later on.

Here are the steps that you can take to prevent a customer data breach.

Train Your Employees

The first step to protecting customer data and avoiding cyber threats is to ensure your employees are educated on security awareness.

You need to be sure that your employees are aware of threats that could cause problems in your organization. Then, ensure that they practice safety and security best practices when using email, working over public Wi-Fi, and managing sensitive data. 

Create Strong Passwords

As part of setting security standards for your employees, it’s essential that they use strong passwords. According to the SEC, “it has been estimated that half of the small businesses that suffer a cyberattack go out of business within six months as a result.”

Your employees should set lengthy passwords and use various characters so that outside parties can’t guess them. It’s also a good idea to enforce two-factor or multi-factor authentication for business accounts and to require that passwords be updated on a regular basis.

Secure password managers like 1Password make this easy. They allow you to store rolling multi-factor authentication, monitor your organization’s security score, and generate strong passwords for your users.

Set Security Guidelines

In order for employees to improve security in your business, you need to make sure they have guidelines to follow.

Make sure that you create a document that sets security standards and best practices for your organization. It’s also vital that you set standards for third-party vendors and partners as well. 

In addition, make sure you have a plan for what to do if data loss or a cyber attack occurs. Developing a data breach response plan can help your business know exactly what steps to take after an incident.

Audit Your Data

If you want to protect your customer’s data effectively, then you need to understand precisely where it is stored and how someone could access it. Be sure to spend time determining where your sensitive information is located. Consider all access points to this data so that you can keep it protected.

Take a data inventory and then review it again regularly. Ensure that you understand where your data is so that you can take measures to protect it from intruders.

Update Business Software

A key step to protecting your business technology and preventing data breaches is regularly updating all software on your devices.

Be sure that all security software that you use is always kept up to date. Also, ensure that all systems and other software you use are kept current.

Software updates help to fix security vulnerabilities that could leave your business at risk. Skipping any of them or waiting too long to make updates isn’t recommended.

Backup Important Data

If a data breach occurs, you’ll have to deal with the consequences of your customers’ data being in the wrong hands. However, you can prevent losing customer data completely by making regular data backups. 

If your systems get compromised or if data loss occurs, you can restore data from the backup so that your business can still access it. 

Keep Your Network Protected

If you want to protect customer data, you need to prevent access to your network. You should use network security features such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and access control to prevent data access by anybody outside of your organization.

Using endpoint security controls and malware detection software can also be helpful and can allow you to prevent threats and improve small business security.

Don’t Forget Physical Security

Although it’s important to secure your network and prevent data breaches from remote hackers, it’s also essential to keep your data physically secure. 

Make sure that on-premises hardware and data centers aren’t accessible by people who shouldn’t have access. Also, ensure that your employees are responsible and safe with any of their devices with sensitive data on them.

Similarly, ensure that you control and monitor access to data stored on the cloud.

Make sure to secure physical records and files so that only employees can access them,too.

Keep Devices Secure

If you have employees who work for your business remotely, you need to make sure that they’re safely using all company devices.

Make sure that employees are careful if they use public Wi-Fi and ensure that they encrypt their connections with a tool such as a VPN. Also, ensure they don’t let anybody else access them. 

Your employees shouldn’t leave devices unattended in a public setting and should take measures to avoid letting them get stolen. This way, nobody will gain access to them who shouldn’t.

You can also consider mobile device management as a tool to secure your devices even if stolen.

Get Expert Help

If you want to protect your customer data, you need to be sure you have access to knowledgeable IT professionals. They should know how to handle network security effectively. 

It can be challenging to hire the right people for your team and pay each individual full-time salaries. In some cases, it might be a good idea to hire a managed IT provider who can provide security services to your business instead.

Hiring managed IT solutions will allow you access to the best experts and ensure your business data is secure.

Taking Steps to Protect Customer Data

If you want to protect sensitive customer data in your business, you should take security seriously. Be sure to invest in your digital security to protect your business from threats.

Do you need managed IT and security support services in Los Angeles? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

More than 600,000 new businesses are formed in the United States each year. Unfortunately, not all startups can sustain themselves in the first few years of business. You can take many steps to future-proof your business, and one of those steps should be your technological security.

One of your most important responsibilities as a business owner is implementing a cybersecurity incident response (IR) plan. Having an IR will go a long way in minimizing the risk of cybersecurity threats.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about developing a cybersecurity plan and the benefits that it provides.

What Is a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan?

As the name suggests, a cybersecurity incident response plan is a blueprint of actions and processes that an organization should take in the event of a data security breach.

It should outline the steps it can take to prevent, detect, assess, respond to, and recover from an attack. It should be fully comprehensive and cover every relevant detail.

What Are the Benefits of Having One?

Establishing a cybersecurity incident response plan can provide numerous benefits to businesses. Understanding these will help you determine your best course of action.

Listed below are some of the most notable.

Reduced Financial Losses

Your organization can reduce the potential financial losses associated with cyberattacks.

In some cases, a single incident can cause significant financial damage. Creating a plan is something you simply cannot overlook.

Increased Employee Awareness

Implementing a cybersecurity plan encourages employees to take steps to protect their data and stay vigilant against possible threats.

This can help prevent costly attacks in the future. It will also help your employees take action when necessary.

Improved Compliance

If your business is subject to industry-specific regulations, having a plan can help you meet those standards and comply with relevant laws.

Compliance issues have many consequences, such as damage to your brand reputation or ability to work in specific fields. You may also experience fees and other financial penalties.

Enhanced Credibility

Organizations with strong cyber security plans are viewed more favorably by customers, partners, and other stakeholders.

This can help enhance the credibility of your business. It also makes your business more attractive to investors or potential buyers.

Common Cybersecurity Threats to Businesses

Unfortunately, there is no shortage of cybercriminals out there who are looking to take advantage of businesses. So, it’s imperative that you remain aware of the most common threats you will encounter. Let’s dive in.

Malware

Malware is malicious software that can infect a computer and cause significant damage. It is often used to gain access to private data or commit other types of cybercrime.

Malware comes in many forms, but its primary goal is always to disrupt your workflow or procure sensitive data.

Phishing Attacks

Phishing attempts are a form of social engineering attack that sends false messages from what appears to be a reliable source.

A phishing email might contain links to harmful websites, malware-laden attachments, or malicious code. It’s common for untrained or non-technical employees to open phishing emails and expose the entire company. To avoid this, it’s crucial to educate your team on how to recognize them.

DDoS Attacks

Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks are a type of cyberattack that aims to overwhelm a website or system with requests in order to render it unusable. Even a short period of downtime can cost thousands of dollars. Small businesses might even find it impossible to recover.

Ransomware

Ransomware is malicious software that attempts to lock down a computer or device until the user pays a ransom. The hacker demands that the victim send a certain amount of money in cryptocurrency, or they will permanently delete their data or leave it encrypted. 

Unfortunately, hackers don’t always hold up their end of the bargain if they receive the ransom. They often disappear without a trace afterward. The FBI even discourages victims from paying the ransom. Doing so will only serve to facilitate other attacks in the future.

In worst-case scenarios, the hacker could leak sensitive information or even sell it to industry competitors.

How Do I Get Started?

Only some businesses have the resources to develop a comprehensive plan independently. For this reason, it’s crucial to work with a professional. 

Start by identifying potential service providers with experience in cybersecurity and incident response planning. Review their services and ask questions about their process before signing an agreement. Additionally, make sure you involve key stakeholders from within your organization. This will help you identify gaps in your plan and ensure that everyone is on board with the plan and its objectives.

Another crucial aspect to consider is how comfortable you are communicating with the service provider. One of the essential roles of a cybersecurity incident response plan is to ensure effective communication throughout any incident. If you’re not confident in your relationship with the service provider, chances are it won’t be successful. When evaluating potential providers, ask how they would handle different scenarios and what type of reporting they offer. This will help you understand how they communicate and what that could mean for your business.

If you already have a plan in place, it’s important to review it periodically and update it when necessary. Even if you think your plan is sufficient, cybercriminals are constantly developing new tactics to attack businesses. Your plan must be adaptable, so it’s important to remain on top of the latest threats.

Creating a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult

Although it might initially seem complicated, creating a cybersecurity incident response plan is much easier than it looks. If you keep the above information in mind, you’ll surely meet your needs.

If you are looking for more information about us and the cybersecurity services we offer, contact us today to see how we can help.

Across the world, 30,000 websites are hacked every single day. A majority of companies experience at least one type of cyber attack, which can result in problems with customer loyalty, lost money, and the loss of important and private information.

One way companies can protect their business is by investing in cybersecurity and finding a managed IT services provider in Los Angeles. They can help you improve the security of your business. Do you want to learn more about why cybersecurity is an important part of maintaining your business?

Keep reading this guide for the top five reasons why every business should invest in cybersecurity in 2023.

1. Increased Frequency of Cybercrimes

One of the main reasons why e-commerce companies need to improve their online security is that cybercrimes are becoming increasingly frequent. As was mentioned before, thousands of businesses are the victims of cybercrimes each day.

Not only is the volume of cybercrimes increasing each day, but so are the types of cybercrimes. Hackers are using increasingly complex and sophisticated tactics to target businesses, which makes it difficult to prevent cyber attacks.

Some of the most common cyber threats include phishing, malware, ransomware, data breaches, and more.

Investing in cybersecurity can provide you with the right security measures to prevent each of these threats and protect your business. You can also implement company awareness trainings to improve your cybersecurity. This way, you and your employees will learn to recognize common cyber threats so you can avoid being a victim.

2. Save Time and Money

When you experience a cybersecurity attack, it can cause serious damage to your business. Improving your cybersecurity can save you time and money.

For example, experiencing a data breach can cause business disruptions. Hackers can easily gain access to important company files, confidential documents, and other fundamental information that your business needs to function.

This will often result in downtime for your business and makes it difficult to get things up and running again. When your business is not operational, this can also lead to a loss of revenue.

Business delays aren’t the only costs you will incur: other damages will compound the cost. The average data breach for businesses with less than 500 employees was nearly $3 million. While paying to improve your cybersecurity may seem like an unnecessary cost, it can be seen as an investment.

It can lower your risk for cyber attacks and can save you time and money in the long run!

3. Improve Customer Trust and Loyalty

Improving your cybersecurity is not only necessary to protect your data, but it is essential if you want to have customers who trust your business. If you have a data breach and your customer’s sensitive data is lost, they will lose their trust in your business and will be less likely to work with you in the future.

Even if you follow the right steps to improve your cybersecurity network after these types of data breaches, your customers may not ever trust you again.

As a business owner, you can improve your customer loyalty and trust by showing them the cybersecurity measures you take to keep their data safe. It will provide your customers and investors with peace of mind, knowing that their data is protected.

It is much easier to maintain your customer’s trust than it is to win it back after a cyber attack. Hiring a managed IT service can help you avoid these threats in the first place.

4. Prevent Data Loss

Investing in managed IT services for small businesses can also help you prevent data loss for your business. As was mentioned before, many of the common cybersecurity threats (like ransomware) can compromise your data and may result in your business losing important files and data.

IT solutions for small businesses can help you prevent this data loss and will keep your important files protected.

For example, your IT service provider can teach you and your employees how to protect your data. They can help you recognize common cybersecurity threats and teach you ways you can avoid unnecessary loss.

Make sure your employees know the best cybersecurity practices, so you can keep your important files and documents safe.

5. Meet Compliance Regulations

Finally, improving your cybersecurity for your business will ensure that you meet compliance regulations. There are many different standards that you need to follow to keep your data safe. These regulations will depend on the industry you work in.

For example, healthcare businesses need to follow HIPAA regulations. These regulations are used to safeguard patients and protect their health information. Failing to comply with industry-specific standards like  HIPAA can result in criminal penalties, lawsuits, and more.

Paying for managed IT services in Los Angeles will ensure that you are always up to date on the current regulations and requirements in your industry. If you are looking for a managed service provider in Los Angeles, We Solve Problems can help.

Invest in Cybersecurity for Businesses Today

As a business owner, finding ways to improve your online security is necessary to guarantee the privacy of your data. When you invest in cybersecurity for your business, you will experience each of these benefits and more.

If you want to learn more about the benefits of cybersecurity for your business privacy and security, We Solve Problems can help! We provide remote managed IT services in Los Angeles and can help you improve your cybersecurity.

Contact us today to learn more about our services!

All small businesses are going to face some cybersecurity risks. Hackers often target small companies due to a lack of cybersecurity protocols, which can be impacted by budgetary restraints. This increased threat profile is one of the main reasons small businesses need to be prepared. In addition, it is crucial to understand why the company is vulnerable if there is a security breach.

If you run a small business, creating plans and increasing security is vital to help decrease the chance of security breaches. However, the first step to making these plans is knowing what cybersecurity risks currently threaten your small business.

Top Cybersecurity Risks

Risks vary from company to company, and specific industries may need more robust cybersecurity. Have you taken a record of your company’s vulnerabilities? Below are some of the top cybersecurity risks that may threaten your business.

Malicious Software

Otherwise known as “malware,” this type of cyber attack can allow certain unauthorized actions. There are several ways in which hackers can deploy these cyber attacks. Some of the most common forms are viruses, worms, and trojan horses.

• A virus is a code deployed to attack specific programs, files, or operating systems.
• A worm is a malware that directly infects a system and programs.
• A trojan horse is a scam in which malware is hidden through an application or certain downloads.

Viruses

Also known as malware, viruses can directly harm your system’s hardware. In addition, certain computer viruses can damage programs or even go as far as deleting or stealing data. While there are several ways to get a computer virus, some of the most common methods include downloading a harmful application or visiting an infected site.

If you have downloaded a virus, you may notice data is missing or your computer is not running as fast as usual. You will also find an increase in pop-up windows, breached accounts, and slowed network speed.

Ransomware

This cybersecurity threat can be dangerous, especially for a small business. Typically, it is when a hacker holds a company’s information for ransom. This information can include bank numbers, credit card information, files, or other data for small businesses. 

Usually, these ransomware security threats do not last long. Once the ransom is paid, the threats disappear permanently. Generally, ransomware can spread through emails, networks, and targets. Small businesses may have a smaller budget for security, and they can become the target of hackers. In these situations, hackers tend to gather information easily from these entities.

Phishing

Phishing is a cybersecurity attack in which a hacker or cybercriminal attempts to steal personal information. This information can include bank information, social security numbers, passwords, and more. Oftentimes, these security threats come through emails or text messages.

Small business employees can be caught up in phishing cyber threats after clicking on certain pop-ups or emails on their work computers because they look benign and could pass as normal company communication. While it may seem legitimate at the time, it often leads to cybersecurity breaches which increase the security risks.

Password Hacking

One of the main reasons many workplaces require you to change your password every couple of months is password hacking. This is one of the main ways that information gets leaked. 

For companies with many employees, it is important to require complex passwords to limit the chance of accounts getting breached. Simple and easily guessable passwords are one easy way for hackers to get information.

Social Engineering

This is a technique that hackers commonly use. It is when they trick people into giving up sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and social security numbers by emulating a trusted source from your company or personal life. 

Avoiding Cybersecurity Threats

Cybersecurity threats evolve frequently and can be challenging to deal with. However, there are ways to be proactive and avoid these threats before they even threaten the system. Here are some methods you can utilize to prevent cybersecurity breaches from occurring.

• Employee training: Offering employee training on how to deal with cybersecurity issues can be key. Training to avoid phishing emails and malware can help employees better understand security risks.
• IT Teams: Even as a small business, you can set up a small IT team with the expertise to help you fight off specific cybersecurity attacks. With just a couple of people working towards security and protection, you can help protect data and prevent breaches.
• Outsource Your IT Team: If your company does not have expertise in cybersecurity, consider outsourcing your security to a third-party company, like We Solve Problems.
• Security Measures: Other security measures, such as certain software protection programs, can help detect threats before they occur. 

Overall, prevention is better than dealing with the aftermath of a cybersecurity breach. Taking preliminary measures to ensure hardware and software safety will help avoid issues that can arise. If you are not a cybersecurity expert, be sure to hire the right professionals to assist your company. Working with a managed IT provider, such as We Solve Problems, can save you time and headaches. Implement a cybersecurity plan today. Contact We Solve Problems here.