Cyber crime isn’t just something that happens to huge companies with millions of customer records.
Small and medium-sized businesses are at risk too.
Think about how much of your business now happens online. Banking, accounting, payroll, emails, customer information, supplier payments and important documents could all be accessed digitally.
So, how confident are you that they’re properly protected?
Start With Your Passwords
We know. Nobody wants another lecture about passwords!
But weak or reused passwords can make life much easier for cyber criminals.
Make sure you and your team members use strong, unique passwords for important business systems. Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts and consider using a reputable password manager so you don’t have to remember dozens of different logins.
And please don’t keep them on a Post-it note next to your computer!
Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication adds another layer of security when somebody tries to access an account.
Instead of relying solely on a password, you’ll need to confirm your identity in another way, such as through an authentication app.
For example, Xero supports multi-factor authentication, which helps provide additional protection when accessing your accounting information.
Wherever your important business systems offer multi-factor authentication, switch it on.
Train Your Team Members
Your systems might be secure, but what happens when somebody receives a convincing email that appears to be from you?
Cyber criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated at making messages look genuine. An email might appear to come from a customer, supplier or even another team member asking someone to click a link, provide information or make a payment.
Encourage your team members to question anything unusual.
If someone receives an unexpected request to change bank details, transfer money or share sensitive information, have a process for checking it independently before doing anything.
One phone call could prevent a very expensive mistake.
Keep Everything Up To Date
Those irritating software update notifications are there for a reason.
Updates frequently include fixes for security weaknesses, so continually putting them off can leave your devices and systems vulnerable.
Make sure computers, phones, tablets, software and other devices used within your business are kept up to date.
It’s also worth checking that important business information is backed up regularly and that you know how you’d recover it if something went wrong.
Ask Yourself: What Would Happen Tomorrow?
Imagine arriving at work tomorrow and discovering you couldn’t access your emails, accounting software or important business files.
What would you do?
Who would you call?
How quickly could you get the business operating again?
If you don’t know the answers, now is a good time to find out.
Cyber security doesn’t have to mean becoming an IT expert. It means putting sensible protections in place, training your team members and regularly reviewing whether your systems are still fit for purpose.
Take Action Today
Speak to your IT provider and review your cyber security arrangements. Check your passwords, multi-factor authentication, backups, software updates and the training you give your team members.
And if you’d like to talk to GreenStones about the systems you use to manage your business finances, including making better use of cloud accounting software such as Xero, give us a call on 01733 371180 and have a chat with us.