Small businesses play a major role in our economy. They create jobs, spur innovation, and help drive growth. But running a small business is no easy feat. In addition to the usual challenges of managing a business—hiring employees, marketing your product or service, and keeping your finances in order—you also have to stay up to date on the latest technology trends.
Keeping up with the latest trends can help you better utilize the benefits of technology. The right tools can save you time and money, allow you to connect with customers, protect your business, and streamline your operations. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are five tech tips for small businesses to get you started.
1. Create a Cybersecurity Plan
The first tech tip for small businesses is to create a cybersecurity plan. A cybersecurity plan is a document that outlines how a business will protect its computer networks and data from cyberattacks. Its purpose is to enable a proactive approach to cybersecurity, rather than simply reacting to attacks after they’ve happened.
Despite a cybersecurity plan’s importance in maintaining secure data and systems, only 50% of small businesses have a cybersecurity plan ready for 2022. This leaves small businesses at a greater risk for attacks, which can be costly and devastating.
2. Security Awareness Training
A tech tip for small businesses not discussed enough is security awareness training. Cybersecurity is not just the responsibility of IT professionals; it’s everyone’s responsibility. All employees should be trained in basic cybersecurity best practices, such as proper password management, how to spot phishing emails, and where to report suspicious activity.
According to a report by IBM, nearly 95% of cyber breaches are caused by human error. Security awareness training can help reduce this high percentage by teaching employees about best practices for data security.
3. Invest in the Cloud
The cloud is a network of remote servers that are used to store, manage, and process data. Small businesses are increasingly turning to the cloud for its many benefits, including scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency.
When it comes to cybersecurity, the cloud can also offer significant advantages. Cloud-based security solutions are often more effective and updated than on-premises solutions. They can also be more affordable, as small businesses only need to pay for the services they use.
4. Enable Multi-factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a great tech tip for small businesses. MFA is a security measure that requires users to provide more than one form of identification when logging into a system. This can include something the user knows, such as a password, or something the user has, such as a smartphone.
MFA can be an effective way to deter cyberattacks, as it makes it more difficult for attackers to gain access to systems. Microsoft reported that MFA can prevent 99.9% of data breaches, but another study reported that only about 57% of small businesses have MFA enabled. In order to stay secure and protected, small businesses should consider enabling MFA.
5. Keep Software and Hardware Patched and Up-to-Date
One of the most important tech tips for small businesses is to keep software and hardware patched and up-to-date. Outdated software and hardware can contain security vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. By patching and updating these systems, businesses can close these security gaps and make it more difficult for attackers to gain access to their networks.
According to a report by Ponemon, nearly 60% of companies could have prevented a data breach if they simply updated a security patch. Small businesses should make sure to keep their software and hardware up-to-date in order to reduce the risk of an attack.
Implement These Tech Tips for Small Businesses & Partner With Simple Systems
At Simple Systems, we’re a managed service provider (MSP) that offers comprehensive IT support, including cybersecurity solutions. Our team of experts can help your business create a cybersecurity plan, implement the latest security technologies, and provide security awareness training to your employees.
To learn more about our services and how we can help you protect your business from cyberattacks, contact us today. We would be happy to answer any questions you have and provide you with a free consultation.
