How to Protect Your Small Business from Cyber Attacks

Target, Neiman Marcus, Michaels, Home Depot, and even Google and Yahoo! have all fallen victim to much-publicized cyber attacks. So have hospitals, government agencies, and organizations of all types. If it can happen to them, it can certainly happen to you. If you don’t yet have Massachusetts Cyber Liability Insurance, you are playing a dangerous game of Russian roulette. To protect your business, first get cyber liability insurance, then learn everything you can about how to protect your small business from cyber attacks.
 
Learn the Lingo
 
If you think your business is immune to cyber threats because you’re a small business, think again. According to the U.S. House Committee on Small Business, more than 70% of cyber attacks are directed at businesses with less than 100 employees. You’ve probably heard terms like phishing, malware, hacking, and spoofing. If you’re not sure what these terms mean – and how to protect your systems from falling victim to these schemes – now is time to do some research.
 
Make Sure Anti-virus Software is Updated
 
Cyber threats evolve all the time. When you’re prompted to update your anti-virus software, don’t procrastinate.
 
Discuss Cyber Security Protocols with Employees
 
Your employees are a first line of defense against cyber criminals. Impress upon them the importance of keeping data safe, make sure they know the warning signs of a cyber attack, and make it company policy that everyone use passwords with numbers, characters, and upper and lower case letters and change them regularly.
 
Don’t Share Sensitive Information via Email

Sure, it may be quicker to send confidential information, account numbers, or other information by email. When you do that, though, you can fall victim to a cyber criminal stealing your data. Instead, share confidential information over the phone.
 
If you need cyber liability insurance or want to make sure the policy you have is adequate, call Metro Boston Insurance Agency at 617.884.5480. Don’t procrastinate, as cyber attacks on businesses happen every day.