In the past, this blog has discussed the fact that small business is a frequent target of cyber criminals. If you run a small business, cyber security – which includes protection against a malware infection – should be high on your priority list for 2019.
Malware is defined as any software which is designed to intentionally and maliciously inflict damage to a computer, server, client, or computer network. Malware is activated after it is introduced into a target’s computer, (such as by an email) and can take the form of executable code, scripts, active content, and other software. The term malware encompasses all computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, spyware, adware, and scareware. Damage caused by an unintentional computer bug or glitch is not considered malware.
Important to Note: 68% of small businesses have reported being the victim of cyber crime.
Top Tips to Prevent Malware Protection
- Establish a Cyber Security Plan & Train Employees: It is estimated that only 40% of small businesses have a cyber security plan in place, regardless of the danger. Putting a stringent policy in place and training your employees on the procedures is a great first line of defense. Your plan should include an outline for the acceptable use of email and the Internet, secure password creation, protocols for safe access over remote, unsecured networks, and the use of media which can be carried offsite – such as on USB drives. Every new employee should be trained on how they can help to keep the business safe.
- Shore Up Internal Security: Although we tend to think of bad actors being external to our company, studies have shown that approximately 25% of cyber attacks come from within. Depending on the sensitivity of the data your company has access to, you may wish to limit both physical and electronic access only to those employees who require it to do their jobs.
This may include only allowing your accounting department to view invoices online, or requiring card key access into sensitive areas of the building.
- Make Sure You Have Backups: Whether attacked by ransomware or dealing with a natural disaster, every company these days needs their technology infrastructure to survive. Make sure that your critical data is backed up, preferably offsite or in the cloud so that it is available if your physical structure is affected. A managed services firm can help you to determine the right level of backup for your company.
- Invest in Firewall and Anti-Virus Software: A firewall will help to protect any malicious data from breaching your system and should be implemented at every organization. However, should damaging code attack your company despite your best efforts to keep it out entirely, a strong anti-virus software product will identify and neutralize the threat.
Anti-virus or anti-malware software is effective against non-vindictive threats as well, such as if your employee inadvertently downloads unwanted spyware when opening an attachment.
- Check Out Cyber Insurance: Although not yet as common, cyber liability insurance is beginning to gain ground as an effective way to protect your business from a malware infection. This insurance policy assists in covering costs which may be incurred due to a cyber attack. These costs may include legal, liability, and public relations costs. Statistics tell us that as many as two-thirds of small businesses cannot financially survive a cyber attack. Therefore cyber liability insurance is a great option to help you weather the attack and its aftermath.
In 2019, a malware infection is a very real business risk which should be taken seriously. By implementing some simple, strategic procedures at your company, you can help to prevent this type of situation from harming your business or your customers.
If you have questions on how to best be prepared, give Alliance IT a call. We are working every day, to protect our clients from any type of attack.
