3 Ways To Limit Security Breaches In Your Small Businesses

Data breaches are becoming increasingly common. In the last 12 months, reports show that 88% of UK companies suffered from a data breach. Compared to other countries, the UK’s total is slightly lower.

These staggering statistics cast a light on the importance of having security measures to protect the company and the data it stores. Failure to do so could have a detrimental impact on a company. The reputation can be damaged tremendously, which can deter potential customers. Experiencing a data breach could also cause a loss of confidence in current customers; they may wish to terminate the agreement.

The loss of confidence and a damaged reputation can lead to a decline in sales. The decline in sales can set a business back, and unfortunately for some, it could put them out of business. Seeing the impact of a data breach should motivate small business owners to take action. If you are a small business owner and are looking into ways to help limit the risks of security breaches, a few strategies could be worth implementing.

Information Security Management System

An Information security management system (ISMS) shows customers how a business handles and approaches information security and privacy in their company. It is an effective way a business can identify any cyber threats towards the sensitive information they hold.

A standard option many businesses choose is to go is with an ISO 27001 certification. It can be easier than you’d think to achieve the ISO 27001 standard. Some companies will use ISO 27001 policy templates to put adequate procedures. Using ISO 27001 policy templates can also reduce the risk of missing crucial aspects that could help to protect the business.

Restrict Employee Access 

It is doubtful that employees need access to all of its data. Depending on their department, it is unlikely they will need access to customers’ information. If accounts are no longer required, ensure that they are deleted. Additionally, if employees have shared access to any documents and data that are not relevant or needed, remove access.

Restricting access can help you control who can access what information. It reduces the chances of a data breach occurring. Those with access will have been granted it due to the confidence and trust you have in them that they will use the information for its intended purposes.

Provide Training To Employees

If employees are well aware of cyberattacks and ways to protect the company’s data, the business will be in a stronger position. The chances of a cyberattack occurring can be reduced due to employees knowing about common tactics cybercriminals use to access a company’s valuable information.

Keep reminding employees regularly about not opening attachments in emails from those they do not know or that they were not expecting. Send them procedures that outline how to encrypt personal or sensitive information.

Ensure that they know to double-check with a person when asked to complete an urgent request. Many cybercriminals will use an urgent request for payment from someone within the company as a common way to scam a business. Internet scams and cybercrime will be included in the UK online safety bill. Having employees double-check when they receive an email asking for an unexpected payment will reduce the risk of falling victim. All employees can do a simple yet effective tactic is regularly update their passwords. All of these tactics can help to increase security protection within a company.