Categories: BlogCyber Security

How to Protect Your Small Business from Cyber Attacks

The public is used to hearing about cyber attacks on big companies. Sony Pictures famously canceled the release of its film The Interview after facing pressure from North Korean hackers. Controversial website Ashley Madison came under fire when sensitive user information was leaked. Yahoo was hit with a massive wave of data theft that affected more than one billion accounts.

But this isn’t just a problem for big corporations. In fact, 43% of small businesses will face a cyber attack.

At eMazzanti, we care about your security. Follow these steps to make sure you and your business are protected.

Stay Up-to-Date

The world of cyber crime is constantly evolving—with new malware being created daily. It is crucial that your business keeps up. Invest in the latest anti-virus software. Set up auto-updates or regularly install new patches to your firewall. Remember to update your operating system, especially when new security patches come out.

Be on the Defensive

When it comes to cyber security, small businesses need to be on the defensive. You should establish some key security practices for you and your employees. Be sure to require strong passwords—pet names or birthdays just aren’t going to cut it. Never download a file from an unknown sender. Avoid storing passwords on mobile devices. Keep your Wi-Fi network password protected. And always encrypt sensitive information.

Keep Your Physical Space Safe

Don’t forget physical security. Make sure your office is locked and consider installing an alarm system. Documents with sensitive information such as financials or human resource files should be shredded, not just discarded in the trash. Make backup copies of important data and store them offsite. Or better yet, consider storing your back up data on the cloud.

Use a Virtual Private Network

A VPN is a private connection that allows remote devices to securely share data on the company network. This prevents your data from being seen by third parties. A VPN is crucial if you have employees who work remotely.

Cyber crime is a serious issue. The majority of small businesses that face cyber attacks never recover. eMazzanti provides managed network security services for small businesses and beyond. We can inform you about best practices, industry standards, and most importantly how to keep your cyber security up to date. Keeping your network and assets safe is our main priority.

Carl Mazzanti

Carl Mazzanti is Co-Founder and President of eMazzanti Technologies, Microsoft’s four time Partner of the Year and one of the premier IT consulting services for businesses throughout the New York metropolitan area and internationally. Carl and his company manage over 400 active accounts ranging from professional services firms to high-end global retailers.

eMazzanti is all about delivering powerful, efficient outsourced IT services, such as computer network management and troubleshooting, managed print, PCI DSS compliance, green computing, mobile workforce technology, information security, cloud computing, and business continuity and disaster recovery.

Carl Mazzanti is also a frequent business conference speaker and technology talk show guest and contributor at Microsoft-focused events, including frequent prominent roles at the Microsoft Inspire (Worldwide Partner Conference / WPC).

Carl, a serial Entrepreneur, gives back to the community through Entrepreneur teaching engagements at Georgetown University, the company’s ocean wildlife conservation effort, the Blue Project, and Tree Mazzanti.