Even Small Businesses Are at Risk for Cyber Attacks

OAK BROOK, Ill. - Sept. 21, 2018 - PRLog -- If you run a small business, when's the last time cyber security in Oak Brook crossed your mind? The answer is probably not that recently. Many small businesses think that they're insulated from the dangerous world of cyber criminals but that couldn't be further from the truth. Nearly 90 percent of small businesses don't use data protection for their systems and information. That's astonishing! Just as cyber criminals are interested in large corporations and individuals, they're interested in small businesses, too. No matter the size of your company or revenue stream, cyber criminals don't discriminate. In fact, 36 percent of businesses that have experienced a cyber attack have less than 250 employees.

So, how do you, as a small business, protect yourself? It starts with finding a partner to provide quality cyber security in Oak Brook. No one expects you to be able to protect yourself with the ever-changing world of technology – except cyber criminals. They're banking on your naivete. In addition to finding a trusted IT partner, here are some simple steps you can take to further protect yourself against an attack:

1. Educate your employees. The first step to cyber security in Oak Brook is to educate your employees on best practices. Oftentimes, employees unknowingly compromise a business's systems to detrimental effects. By educating your employees on what they're supposed to do, you can mitigate potential disaster. Make sure your employees know not to open strange emails or attachments or click on links from unknown senders. Additionally, limit their access to sensitive information. The fewer people who have access to precious data, the less likely it'll become compromised.
2. Don't allow unauthorized devices. Another thing that goes along with employee education is not allowing them to plug unauthorized devices into your network. As an example, if an employee plugs a cell phone into their computer to charge, and that cell phone is compromised with malware, your system can easily become infected. The same goes for USB drives, MP3 players, and other devices. Make your policy well-known and explain why this practice isn't permitted.
3. Make a commitment to protection. Both these steps support a commitment to protection. Many small businesses change policies and procedures as their business grows, but committing to cyber security in Oak Brook should be something you do immediately and forever. Even if you only have a handful of employees, the data that's transmitted throughout your system is valuable to cyber criminals. Think about what would happen if a criminal got a hold of your customers' information and you had to tell them you've had a data breach. How many would come back? Small businesses may have less credibility after a data breach than say, Target.
4. Be smart with passwords. Make sure everyone in your organization follows appropriate password protocol. Make passwords challenging and never re-use the same password for multiple accounts. Don't write them down and don't share them. Easy peasy!

If you're looking for a true partner in cyber security in Oak Brook, let CMIT Solutions help. We're backed by a nationwide network of professionals and have years of experience in IT support services.