Five ways to help protect the critical data used to run your small- or medium-sized business.

If you think cybersecurity should only a concern for big business, you might be shocked to learn that 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses. This statistic from Cisco is a real eye-opener for any business owner who doesn’t have a plan in place to protect their data and systems. Regardless of size, no business can afford to ignore cybersecurity. Here are a few tips to help you protect critical business data.

Keep operating systems up-to-date

Computers, laptops, tablets and phones all rely on an operating system to function. Even if you feel that your device works just fine as is and you hate it when an update changes how your device works, you need to download software updates as they are issued. All updates. On all your devices.

Hackers continually look for ways break into operating systems. Once they find a vulnerability they can install malware that encrypts files and makes programs unusable. Software updates patch security flaws and help keep your system safe from bad actors.

The best way to keep operating systems up-to-date is to turn on automatic updates.

Turn on your computer’s firewall

Firewalls are designed to prevent unauthorized access to your computer, defend from viruses and prevent cyberattacks. Think of a firewall as a digital bouncer who decides who gets into the nightclub (your computer systems) and who is turned away.

All popular computer operating systems are built with a firewall; make sure yours is turned on.

Phone operating systems generally have built-in security features that act as a firewall. However, phones are increasingly used to send and receive sensitive information and many small business owners are fortifying mobile device security. Solutions vary by device. Discover a few mobile device security tips from Forbes.

Watch out for fake alerts and phishing

Hackers are masters of disguise. Sometimes they use pop-up alerts, texts and emails to impersonate legitimate organizations in a practice called phishing. These fake messages may say a software update is needed or that an action is required on your account. The fake messages typically direct users to click on a link or download a file.

Remember to never click on links in pop-ups, texts or emails unless you are 100% sure of the sender’s identity. Even Jeff Bezos has been victimized by a malicious video attachment sent in a WhatsApp message.

Only access updates from the software maker’s website or your app store.

To check on an account, access it from a website URL or app you know and trust. 

Back up your files

Lost devices, hard drive failures, human error and malware attacks can all mean loss of critical data and documents. Many experts recommend backing up files every 24 hours, or at the very least once a week.

The most common ways to back up files are on an external hard drive, USB flash drive or cloud storage.

If backing up files to an external device, it should be unplugged when you’re not using it. This protects backup files in case of a malware attack.

Control access to bank accounts

Keep your business banking safe by limiting the access others have to your accounts. Consumers’ online banking for business members allows you to share access with a spouse or employees while limiting what information they can see.

Business members can also set up text or email alerts for account activity. For example, you can be notified when:

• funds are deposited
• account balances reach a specified level
• loan payments are due

Learn more about protecting yourself from fraud

At Consumers we’re always looking out for our members, and we’ve researched ways you can protect yourself, your loved ones and your business from getting scammed. Discover how to protect against fraud and financial scams on our website.

Do you have business banking questions? Contact our knowledgeable Commercial Loan Officers online or call 800-991-2221. We’re also available to help in person at your local office.

Federally insured by NCUA