Cybersecurity measures every small business should take

Many small businesses rely on the default security that comes with their computers, assuming it's enough to keep cybercriminals out. Unfortunately, today's threats often require more than built-in protection.

The good news is that you don't need an IT department or a big cybersecurity budget to improve your security. Affordable solutions and a few simple habits can make a significant difference in protecting your business, employees, and customer data.

Key takeaways

Multi-factor authentication helps protect accounts even if passwords are stolen.
Automatic updates reduce the risk of attackers exploiting known vulnerabilities.
Modern endpoint protection defends against malware, phishing, and ransomware.
Automatic backups help your business recover from data loss or cyberattacks.
Screen locks and device encryption protect sensitive information if devices are lost or stolen.

Start with these five cybersecurity measures

These actions address some of the most common ways cybercriminals target small businesses, from stolen passwords and phishing to ransomware and lost devices.

1. Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Passwords can be guessed, stolen in data breaches, or handed over through phishing scams. MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second verification step, such as a code sent to your phone or approval through an authentication app. Even if someone gets hold of your password, they still won't be able to access your account without that second factor.

Start by enabling MFA for your most important business accounts, including:

Business email
Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace
Banking and accounting software
Cloud storage
CRM and customer management platforms

Your email account should be the top priority. If cybercriminals gain access to it, they may be able to reset passwords for many of your other business accounts.

2. Use endpoint protection with real-time threat detection

If you're relying solely on the security software that came preinstalled on your computer, it may be time for an upgrade. Built-in protection is a good starting point, but businesses often face a broader range of risks, from phishing emails and ransomware to malicious websites and scams designed to steal credentials.

A good business security solution should include features such as:

Real-time threat detection
Ransomware protection
Phishing and scam protection
Malicious website blocking

Rather than piecing together separate tools from different providers, choose a solution that brings these protections together in one place. Managing multiple security tools can quickly become complicated, creating gaps in protection, compatibility issues and taking time away from running your business.

An all-in-one solution makes it easier to protect every device consistently while reducing the day-to-day management burden.

3. Enable automatic updates on every business device

Software updates can feel like an inconvenience, especially when you're in the middle of a busy workday. But many updates contain security patches that fix vulnerabilities attackers are already trying to exploit. Delaying updates gives cybercriminals more time to exploit known security vulnerabilities.

Make sure automatic updates are enabled for:

Computers
Smartphones and tablets
Web browsers
Business applications
Routers and networking equipment

Don't forget employee devices either. One outdated laptop connected to your business network can become an easy entry point for attackers.

4. Enable automatic backups before you need them

Backups don't prevent cyberattacks, but they can make recovering from one much less painful.

Whether it's ransomware, accidental deletion, hardware failure, or a stolen laptop, having a recent backup means you can restore important files instead of starting from scratch.

Whenever possible, automate your backups so they run regularly without relying on someone to remember. It's also a good idea to test your backups occasionally. A backup that can't be restored won't help much when you need it most.

5. Require screen locks and device encryption

Losing a laptop or smartphone isn't just expensive. It can also expose customer information, financial records, contracts, and other sensitive business data.

Require employees to use screen locks with strong PINs or passwords and turn on the built-in device encryption available on most modern computers and smartphones. If a laptop or phone is lost or stolen, encryption helps prevent anyone without the correct credentials from accessing the data stored on the device.

A few more security habits worth adopting

Once you've enabled these five essentials, a few everyday habits can further reduce your risk:

·Use a password manager instead of reusing passwords across multiple accounts.

Train employees to recognize phishing emails, scams, and other social engineering attacks.
Limit administrator privileges to employees who genuinely need them.
Keep your guest Wi-Fi separate from your business network.
Review who has access to your business accounts regularly and remove access that's no longer needed.
Use a VPN when working from public Wi-Fi, such as in cafés, airports, hotels, or coworking spaces.
Verify unexpected payment requests or changes to supplier bank account details through a trusted communication channel before sending money. Scammers often impersonate suppliers, banks, and business partners.
Monitor your business's digital identity for signs of data breaches and leaked credentials, so you can respond quickly if your information is exposed.

All the protection, one solution

Protecting your business can feel overwhelming, especially if you don't have an IT team or you're not sure where to start.

Instead of managing multiple security tools, Bitdefender Ultimate Small Business Security brings essential protections together in a single solution with one easy-to-use dashboard. From phishing and ransomware protection to scam detection and device security, you can manage your cybersecurity in one place.

Whether you're protecting three employees today or expanding to 25 tomorrow, every device benefits from the same strong security, making it easy to scale your protection as your business grows.

Try Bitdefender Ultimate Small Business Security free for 30 days and see how easy it can be to strengthen your business's cybersecurity.

FAQs

What is the first cybersecurity step every small business should take?

If you only make one change today, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your business accounts, especially your email. Even if someone steals your password, MFA makes it much harder for cybercriminals to access your accounts. From there, focus on automatic updates, endpoint protection, backups, and device encryption.

Is the security software that comes with my computer enough?

Built-in security is a good starting point, but it wasn't designed to meet all the security needs of a business. As your business grows, additional protection against phishing, ransomware, malicious websites, and scams becomes increasingly important. A business security solution combines these protections in one place and makes it easier to secure all your devices.

Do small businesses really need cybersecurity software?

Yes. Small businesses are frequent targets because cybercriminals know they often have fewer security measures in place. Even if you only have a handful of employees, your business likely stores customer information, financial records, contracts, or other sensitive data that criminals want to access.

Can I protect my business without hiring an IT specialist?

Yes. Many cybersecurity solutions are designed specifically for small businesses and don't require dedicated IT staff. By combining an easy-to-manage security solution with good security habits, such as using strong passwords and training employees to spot scams, you can significantly reduce your risk.

What is the difference between antivirus and endpoint protection?

Traditional antivirus primarily detects and removes known malware. Endpoint protection goes further by helping defend against a wider range of threats, including ransomware, phishing attacks, malicious websites, suspicious behavior, and other modern cyber threats. It also gives businesses a central place to manage security across multiple devices, making it easier to protect employees wherever they work.

How do I know if my business is protected enough?

No business can eliminate cyber risk completely, but you can greatly reduce it by covering the basics. If you're using multi-factor authentication, keeping software up to date, protecting your devices with endpoint security, backing up your data, and training employees to recognize scams, you've already built a strong cybersecurity foundation. Review your security regularly as your business grows to make sure your protection keeps up with new devices, employees, and threats.

The first 5 cybersecurity measures every small business should take