Protect Your Business from Cyber Threats

Cybercrime and attacks have increased significantly since the beginning of the pandemic. According to IBC, “In 2021, 41% of small businesses that ever suffered a cyber-attack reported that it cost them at least $100,000, up from 37% in 2019. The pandemic has pushed small businesses to adopt digital practices, putting them at higher risk for cybercrimes.

The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has outlined several steps small businesses can take to prevent cyber-attacks. Read below for ways to stay protected.

Incident Response Plan

An incident response plan for cyber-attacks allows you to respond quickly to incidents, restore critical systems and data, and keep service interruptions and data loss to a minimum.

Strong User Authentication

Implement two-factor authentication policies that balance security and usability. This ensures your devices authenticate users before they can gain access to your organizational systems.

Enable Security Software

Install firewalls, anti-virus, and anti-malware software on your employee devices to protect against malicious attacks and malware. Ensure you download software from a reputable provider and install a Domain Name System (DNS) to block malicious websites and filter harmful content.

Patch Operating Systems and Applications

Where possible, enable automatic patches and updates for all software and hardware to prevent threat actors from exploiting these issues or security vulnerabilities.

Back-Up and Encrypt Data

Copy your information and critical applications to one or more secure locations, such as the cloud or an external hard drive. Make sure to test your backups regularly to ensure you can restore your data.

Train Your Employees

Host semi-annual or quarterly cyber training programs to address your organization’s cyber security protocols, policies, and procedures. An informed workforce can reduce the likelihood of a cyber incident.

Stay Protected with TIM!

With cybercrimes on the rise for small businesses, TIM would like to remind you to stay vigilant to protect your sensitive information.

TIM has the right insurance coverage to protect you against cyberattacks. Contact us today for more information.