As a business leader you are likely concerned about IT and data security. Who can blame you? Daily news reports about the latest security incident can be stress-inducing.
In this article, I’ll explore three cost-effective and relatively easy-to-implement cybersecurity tools that you can quickly put in place.
As engineering manager at Kelser Corporation, a provider of managed IT support service solutions, I work with organizations just like yours every day. I can explain technology in everyday language and I’m not here to sell you anything, just to provide information.
1. Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is an inexpensive and highly effective tool you can use to help ensure that the people accessing your network are authorized to do so. And, many of today’s applications already have the capability, it’s just a matter of turning it on!
Whether you have the option to simply turn on the option for MFA or need to install software to implement this security tool, it provides another layer of security for your infrastructure and data.
In the same way that a home security system provides another layer of security that is likely to deter people with malicious intent, MFA is another deterrent for cyber criminals.
Related article: Multi-Factor Authentication: How It Protects Businesses & Tools To Consider
2. Guest Wi-Fi Network
When I visit small and medium-sized businesses, I’m often surprised that these organizations allow their customers to access their internal network rather than providing a separate, isolated guest wi-fi network.
I understand the thinking behind trusting customers, but it takes only one person with malicious intent to bring down an entire network.
I always advise customers to create a separate, password protected wi-fi network for customers to use. It’s a relatively easy step and it provides enhanced security benefit.
Every layer of security you add to protect your data and infrastructure makes it that much harder for someone to cause trouble; hopefully causing them to look for an easier target.
Related article: Does My Business Need A Separate Guest Wi-Fi Network?
3. Employee Security Awareness Training
One of the most often overlooked (and low-cost) cybersecurity tools is employee security awareness training.
In the same way that you wouldn’t dream of sending untrained employees out onto the manufacturing floor, it makes sense to train your front-line defenders. Informed employees can add another layer of security to your cyber defenses.
Informing employees about the role they can play in keeping your data, devices, and infrastructure safe and providing information about the latest threats helps ensure that they are prepared to take action when something seems amiss.
In addition to network firewalls, informed employees can form a strong human defense system. Regular and frequent training has been shown to have a positive effect on network security.
Make sure your training includes information about the latest threats, simulated exercises, and the ability to track that training has been completed.
For example, some managed IT support service providers will conduct simulated phishing attacks to test how well your organization’s users would respond if faced with a real attack. Others may provide informational or interactive videos, while others will provide in-person training sessions.
No matter what form it takes, ongoing and effective security training keeps the topic top of mind for all employees and provides an extra layer of protection for your organization.
Related article: Employee Security Awareness Training: A Cost-Effective Cybersecurity Tool
What’s The Bottom Line?
In this article we’ve highlighted three easy to implement and cost-effective cybersecurity tools.
With MFA, a guest Wi-Fi network and employee security awareness training in place, you’ll be off to a good start. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of implementing these relatively easy and inexpensive cybersecurity solutions no matter the size of your business.
And, don’t stop there. Cybersecurity is not a “set it and forget it” proposition. As new cyber threat emerges and new variants come into play, your protections will need to be adjusted accordingly.
You may find that you have the internal resources to implement some of these solutions yourself or you may need help from an outside resource. Either way it’s worth the effort.
I’ve seen too many small and medium-sized businesses rest comfortably, assuming that they didn’t have any valuable information that criminals would want to access. Don’t take anything for granted. The fact that you’ve been safe so far doesn’t mean your luck will continue.
Be proactive.
If you already have these tools in place and are looking for more advanced cybersecurity tools, learn about vulnerability scans and penetration tests and how these tools can provide one-time look at the security gaps that need to be addressed within your technology infrastructure.
Wondering how your current cybersecurity efforts measure up? Click the button below for a checklist you can use to evaluate your current state of cyber readiness.
Don’t have the internal resources you need to implement even basic security improvements?
Consider working with an external IT provider who can advise and help you get the tools you need. If this route seems to make sense for your organization, make sure to explore several options to ensure that you find a provider that is the right fit for you. Learn your options for outsourced IT support.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by cybersecurity and just want to talk to a person, click the button below and one of our IT support specialists will reach out to schedule a quick call to talk about your current IT situation and your cybersecurity concerns.
