How small businesses can protect against cyberattacks

We have all seen the cybersecurity stories, where a major corporation has a data breach that exposes millions of its customers’ personal information. Or when a ransomware attack shuts down a multinational company, forcing them to pay a large sum to get up and running again. But what we rarely see is a story about a sole proprietor or small business that falls victim to some sort of online attack by bad actors. 
 
It happens. And it happens more often than you think. A Mastercard survey of more than 5,000 small and medium-sized business owners found that 46% have experienced a cyberattack, and nearly one in five that suffered an attack then filed for bankruptcy or closed their business. 

According to the Impact of Technology on the Workplace report, employees are a vulnerable area when it comes to business security, with data occurring as phishing attacks and computer viruses continuing to surge. But what does that mean for solo business proprietors or those who have just a few trusted, security-savvy employees? It means that small business owners must still be vigilant and provide themselves with the best cyberdefense possible.

There are some basic rules you should follow, to avoid an attack on your business from also impacting your personal finances. Here are some suggestions for preventive steps you can begin with, before consulting with cybersecurity specialists:

• Use strong passwords for everything, and change them every few months
• Use a business email account, and be careful what emails you open and respond to
• Pay for business expenses with a business credit card, never your personal cards
• Similarly, use a separate phone number for your business

Choose the right Internet plan 
Your Internet service must come complete with security features to help protect your business from cyberattacks. Your plan should also have the capacity to add solutions when they become sensible for your business, like Wireless Internet Backup to keep you up and running in a power outage, and Advanced WiFi  or Invincible WiFi so you can work securely.

Choosing the right mobile, WiFi and connectivity solutions is crucial for small and medium-sized businesses, offering benefits like enhanced communication, cybersecurity, increased flexibility, and reduced operational costs. You should choose a scalable Internet connectivity plan that can grow with you as your business expands. This goes hand in hand with seeking plans that offer services without contracts, leaving you free to upgrade when needed. 
 

Your goals are our priority. Let’s talk 
Investing in the right cybersecurity, mobile and connectivity solutions can help businesses stay ahead of the competition and keep the flexibility to adapt to future tech advancements. The best solutions should be easily scalable to meet the changing needs of a growing business. 
 

Over two million small business owners throughout the country count on Spectrum Business to help them achieve their goals. Connect with our U.S.-based team of specialists today to discuss how we can customize the right mix of services based on the unique needs of your business.