The top 5 cyber security trends for small businesses in 2020
The new decade is here, and cyber security is a bigger issue than ever before. Sure, modern businesses are well and truly aware of the dangers posed by doing business online, but threats are evolving at such a pace that many are struggling to keep up.
In fact, many businesses – particularly small businesses – are leaving themselves dangerously exposed to the possibility of a cyber attack, in spite of the warnings offered by government bodies and industry figures. Statistics released by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman found that small businesses are the targets for 43 per cent of such attacks, making this a seriously at-risk sector. Even more horrifyingly, 33 per cent of businesses with 100 employees or fewer do not take proactive measures to guard against breaches.
Let’s make 2020 the year that we reverse those stats. Let’s make this the decade that we put the threat of cyber crime to bed, for good. With this in mind, let‘s take a look at the top five cyber security trends for businesses in 2020, and beyond.
1. Staying informed about evolving threats
Cyber attacks take many forms. From malware and ransomware that can leave your computer vulnerable and make you liable to blackmail and extortion to email phishing and denial of service attacks that steal your vital information or put your business out of action, there are a great many methods that criminals can use to harm you.
However, these threats are not isolated. New, increasingly frightening risks are joining their ranks all the time, including techniques such as a watering hole attack, in which criminals set up fake websites with the intention of trapping their victims.
As you can see, staying educated, informed, and up to date on these threats is the only way to remain protected in 2020. Do your homework, network with the right people, and stay ahead of the game.
2. Backing up regularly and robustly
There are a number of best practices for dealing with data security, but there is one element that unites almost all of them: backing up. You need to back up all of your business critical data in 2020, and you need to be smart about the way you do it.
One of the key trends for this year is creating a backup calendar so each and every one of your team members knows what they need to do to protect your data. Aim to use a mixture of physical storage systems and robust, remotely accessible cloud structures to achieve real peace of mind.
3. Adopting tiered security clearances
2020 is the year of “the principle of least privilege.” This means your team members have the proper security clearance they need to fulfil their role – nothing more, nothing less.
While you certainly trust your employees, security clearances are a weak spot. An employee may inadvertently put your business in harm’s way, or – in very rare cases – they may intentionally cause damage. Take time to work out the clearance levels that each team member needs, and introduce temporary, project-based clearances when required.
4. Working with the right security partner for your business
Working with a managed services provider can take away much of the headache of overseeing your security. However, you need to find the right firm to partner with.
The right option will take the time to get to know your business and its needs. What’s more, they will work as a strategic partner to your operation going forwards, helping to safeguard your business in the long term.
5. Supporting your efforts with training
Even with the best security solutions in place, your business is still at risk if your team is not completely up to date on all that needs to be done. Communicate the duties and responsibilities of each team member, and conduct regular training sessions to make sure that everyone is capable of doing what is expected of them.
Ready to stay on top of your cyber security in 2020 and beyond?
Get in touch with our team today.