Here are six steps you can take today to protect your business from cyber crime.

• The best way to protect your business is to be prepared.
• Make sure your employees know to look out for any suspicious activity online.
• Backing up data and regular updates all help.
• Stay on the front foot with changes to cyber security and what you can do to protect your business.

The best way for businesses to protect data and systems from cyberattacks is to be prepared.

Here are five things you can do to improve cybersecurity.

DATA BACKUP

Back up your data regularly on a separate system – either to cloud storage or on portable devices. Ensure backups are regularly tested.

EMPLOYEE TRAINING

Train your employees to identify suspicious activities, use strong passphrases instead of passwords, and stay up to date with cybersecurity processes and protocols.

Spot testing them is always good, too – be practical about it, rather than theoretical.

REGULAR UPDATES

Update your systems, apps, and all software regularly, including your operating system, to avoid cybercriminals from exploiting any vulnerabilities in older versions.

Protect our networks by installing firewalls that monitor and protect all incoming and outgoing data. Install security software on all devices to protect from viruses, malware, and spyware and password-protect your Wi-Fi networks. Use network encryption when storing or sending data.

OPEN EMAILS WITH CAUTION

Spam and phishing emails can infect computers with viruses and malware. Turn on spam filters to reduce phishing emails and train employees not to open email attachments from unidentified sources.

SECURE YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

Cybersecurity measures are a must for any business, no matter how large or small.

The repercussions of a data breach and cyberattack are multiple and can cost a business not only financial damages but also loss of reputation and credibility.

For small businesses, this can even lead to closure. As cybercriminals get more innovative in their attacks, businesses need to stay at the forefront of cybersecurity and implement safeguards in their business.