Generally speaking, cybersecurity emphasizes on protecting computer-based devices and data from unauthorized access, theft or modification. In turn, a robust cybersecurity platform bolsters the reputation of the institution practicing it, which, by extension, opens new business channels and opportunities.

Notably many local small businesses have adopted extensive use of the internet to meet their trade needs, which range from adverts, venturing into new business grounds, communication with clients and suppliers, carrying out financial transactions, to mention a few. While these gains are admittedly worthwhile, small businesses need to understand that they can never find a totally safe cybersecurity solution. However, this does not translate a lost cause because most online intrusions can be stopped or detected with ordinary security measures that include safe internet practices by employees, as well as underlying processes of IT systems.

Companies are vulnerable to a number of cyber-attacks however, a big percent of business owners reported they didn’t have a dedicated employee or vendor monitoring for attacks. Not only that, only half of business owners say they have set up business practices that protect their confidential information.

Most individual think that cyber criminals only target high profile organizations. If your business is using computing devices and uses internet, then you are at risk of cyber-attacks. As a start up cybersecurity is one of the important investments to make.

Four common cybersecurity tools a company should have:

  1. Companies need to adopt a defense-in-depth strategy that protects business data even if it falls in                            the wrong hands.
  2. Get secure office hardware: In addition to creating a secure network, small businesses must select secure hardware and adopt secure protocols to really protect themselves.

3.Keep spies out of your email: Mail control allows companies to block spy mail from hitting their inbox.

  1. Train your employees: Employees aren’t always ready to combat a cyber-attack or know when they are being baited into one. Security Mentor has created 10-minute lessons with its Security Awareness Training program. Small businesses will be able to train employees to be aware and alert, while making the right choices in a potential cyber crisis through these brief, online lessons.

As a preventative, some companies are using test phish templates and instructional content to familiarize employees with social engineering attacks, which provides anti-virus protection. “This instruction greatly reduces exposure to cyber threats, as long as the instruction is given often and individualized for each employee.”