We recognize the distinct hurdles that businesses in the Dallas – Fort Worth Area encounter in confronting cyber threats like ransomware. While we all aspire to robust defenses, financial constraints pose a significant challenge, particularly for smaller and medium-sized enterprises with tighter budgets and fewer IT personnel compared to larger corporations.
In today’s interconnected landscape, business executives must regard cyber risk as a fundamental aspect of business risk, on par with financial, regulatory, and competitive risks. For a staggering 83% of companies, the issue isn’t whether a data breach will occur, but when it will happen.
The most effective strategy for improving cybersecurity in small businesses is to prioritize mastering the essentials. Regardless of an organization’s size or purpose, the cornerstone of strong security remains consistent—the fundamentals of cybersecurity remain unchanged.
The federal government’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)‘s Cyber Essentials serves as an initial guide for small businesses to comprehend and tackle cybersecurity risks just as they would other types of risks. Created in partnership with small businesses, state, and local governments, Cyber Essentials seeks to provide smaller entities with fundamental measures and support to enhance their cybersecurity.
Below are straightforward actions that you and your business can implement today to bolster your cybersecurity stance:
Tip 1: Maintain cyber best practices
Implement and enforce robust password standards for all users, along with mandating multi-factor authentication (MFA) for remote users and those with administrative privileges. Enable automatic updates for software whenever feasible. In cases where auto-update isn’t an option, prioritize updating applications accessible via the internet. Explore the option of utilizing a Managed Security Provider (MSP) for various security services. Additionally, contemplate leveraging a Cloud Service Provider (CSP) to host your organization’s data, applications, and services. Specifically, consider employing a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider for email and workplace productivity solutions, such as Google Workspace or Microsoft Office365.
Tip 2: Educate your workforce
Mitigate the risk of falling victim to phishing attacks by instructing your staff to exercise caution before clicking on any links. It’s worth noting that over 90% of successful cyber-attacks originate from phishing emails. Ensure that adequate resources are allocated to promptly detect and evaluate any instances of unexpected or abnormal network activity, whether through the assistance of a Managed Security Provider (MSP) or internal personnel.
Tip 3: Prepare to respond should a cyber incident occur
Make sure important staff are accessible and plan for extra assistance if needed. Create a plan for responding to cyber incidents and run drills so everyone knows what to do. Back up crucial data and regularly test the backup process to ensure quick restoration. Keep backups separate from network connections for added security.
Tip 4: Take advantage of CISA’s free cybersecurity resources
CISA’s complimentary cybersecurity resources, which cater to organizations and businesses seeking to enhance their cybersecurity protocols. Some of these resources include:
- CISA provides guidance on essential risk management considerations.
- Before integrating cloud services, it’s advisable to consult CISA’s advice on cloud security.
- For small business owners and leaders initiating their cybersecurity journey, CISA’s Cyber Essentials guide offers valuable insights.
- Explore and utilize the list of free cybersecurity tools and services compiled by CISA, encompassing offerings from CISA itself, widely-used open-source tools, and complimentary services from various public and private sector entities within the cybersecurity community.
- Additionally, it’s recommended to follow CISA’s “4 Things You Can Do To Keep Yourself Cyber Safe” tips, steer clear of bad practices, and explore their Cyber Hygiene Services.
- Small business proprietors are encouraged to enroll in the National Cyber Awareness System to ensure prompt access to pertinent security information and threats.
Although ransomware and cyber-attacks are increasingly targeting small and medium-sized businesses, there’s positive news: proactive measures can be taken to prevent falling victim and mitigate the impact if an incident does occur.
For further details, please visit CISA’s small business webpage at www.cisa.gov/small-business, which offers tailored information and resources.
Ultimately, our commitment lies in collaborating with the business community to furnish the necessary information for securing and safeguarding your networks. CISA’s regionally stationed advisors across North Texas are readily available to engage with your state, and we urge you to reach out for assistance.
