Cybersecurity for Small Businesses
October isn’t just about pumpkin-spiced lattes and cozy sweaters – it’s also Cybersecurity Awareness Month. And here at Murph Consulting, the Help Desk with a Heart, we believe that the backbone of our economy – small businesses – should take a moment to focus on this crucial topic.
Why Does Cybersecurity Matter to Small Businesses?
Often, there’s a misconception that cybercriminals only target the big fish: large corporations, banks, and governmental organizations. However, according to a recent Accenture Cybercrime study, an alarming 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses. Why? Simply put, small businesses often have fewer security defenses, making them a soft target.
Imagine spending years building your dream, your passion, and your livelihood, only for it to be compromised or even ruined in moments because of a cybersecurity oversight. It’s not just about data; it’s about your reputation, your clients’ trust, and the heart of your business.
Steps to Protect Your Business
1. Educate & Train Your Team
Often, the weakest link in cybersecurity isn’t the technology but the people. Regularly update your team about the latest phishing scams and teach them the basics of strong password creation.
2. Regular Backups
Ensure all your business data is backed up regularly. Use both cloud-based backups and physical backups for redundancy.
3. Update & Patch
Outdated software can leave your systems vulnerable. Make sure you update your software routinely and review any legacy or unneeded software that can be removed.
4. Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware
Anti-virus and anti-malware should always be running automatically in the background. Make sure this feature is enabled. It’s also good practice to run a full system scan at least once a week.
5. Firewalls
Regular monitoring, proactive patch management, and staying informed about the latest security threats are key practices for maintaining an effective and up-to-date firewall. Remember, they’re the gatekeepers to your data.
6. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
This is a simple yet effective method of adding an extra layer of protection. Require MFA for all accounts, especially those with sensitive information.
7. Regular Security Assessments
Periodically evaluate your business’s IT environment for vulnerabilities. Don’t know how? Reach out to us at Murph Consulting. We’re the help desk with not just a heart but a passion for protecting yours.
8. Restricted Access
Not everyone on your team needs access to everything. Limit access to sensitive data only to those who genuinely need it.
9. Stay Informed
Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving. Subscribe to cybersecurity news platforms or partner with organizations (like us!) to keep a pulse on the latest developments.
While no system can be 100% secure, taking these steps can significantly reduce your risk and ensure that the heart of your business – its data, its reputation, and its trust – is safeguarded.
Remember, at Murph Consulting, we don’t just treat you as another client. We value the heart of your business, and we’re here to help.
Reach out to Murph Consulting if you have any questions or need assistance in setting up your cybersecurity protocols.
This month, Murph Consulting turned 18. I cranked up Alice Cooper's "I'm 18" and Skid Row's "18 and Life" to get the vibes going. My company is now old enough to vote, get a tattoo, and get married, all without parental consent. Watch out, world!
In all seriousness, the passing of another year of entrepreneurship and running a successful business always feels like a good time to reflect. Since we started in 2007, we've assisted nearly 600 small businesses and residential clients. Businesses in every industry, ranging in size from the solopreneur to 100 employees. There’s no company we’ll say “you’re too small for us to help”, and that gives me great joy. Small businesses need tech and CyberSecurity support, and we’ve got their backs.
Speaking of, it's October again, and you all know what that means, right? The Mets have failed us, and the Islanders, Jets, and Rangers are about to. It's also Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Every small business should be implementing some basic security measures by now. It's easier and more affordable than you think it is, and definitely cheaper than dealing with the fallout of something drastically bad happening to your business.
How's your password game? Do you use strong passwords on all the sites you visit, or are they all slight modifications of one word, like your kids or pets' names or birth dates?
If it's the latter, let's chat. You should be using a password manager. They are easy to use, create complex passwords for you that you no longer need to remember, and keep them all safe for you. I can't remember the last time I had to click on the "forgot your password" link for any site, and I love that for me.
A password manager is just one of the seven software we feel EVERY small business should have in place to help keep them protected in 2025. We’ve packaged these up together neatly and made them affordable for the small businesses we will always support. If you’d like to learn more, please click the “Contact Murph” button below to send me an email.