Reduce Your Cybersecurity Risk with Easy Attack Surface Management Tips for Small Business Owners

Alejandra Rivera
Apr 25, 2023
2 min read

Introduction

Hey there, CEO! If you're a small business owner, chances are that you're constantly juggling multiple tasks at once. But here's a little secret you might not know – cybersecurity should be at the top of your priority list, especially in the internet age. Unfortunately, if your business is online, your attack surface is more significant than you think, which makes you more susceptible to cyber-attacks. Don't worry, though. In this blog post, I will share some easy attack surface management tips to help you instantly reduce your cybersecurity risk! So, let's get started, shall we?

Perform Regular Software Updates

Your software is the door to your business. Like you lock your doors and windows to keep burglars out, you must ensure that your software is up-to-date to prevent unauthorized access. Regular software updates fix security issues and improve your system's functionality so it can run smoothly. But here's the thing - only 64% of small businesses update their software regularly, leaving the rest open to cyber attacks. Don't be one of them!

Use Strong Passwords

This sounds pretty basic, but you’d be surprised to learn that 23.2 million victim accounts used "123456" as their password in 2020. Yes, you read that right. When creating a password, don't use common words, predictable sequences, or personal information that a cyber attacker can guess. Instead, use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to create a strong and unique password that is difficult to crack.

Perform Regular Backups

Data is the lifeblood of any business, and losing it can be catastrophic. That's why backing up your business data should be something you do regularly. By creating a backup, you can quickly restore your data in case of a hardware failure or a cyber attack. You can manually back up your data to an external hard drive or use cloud-based services like Google Drive or Dropbox to automate the process.

Keep an Eye on Third-Party Security

Your business probably relies on third-party vendors and applications for various tasks. But did you know these third parties could be your weakest link in cybersecurity? If your vendors or applications are vulnerable, your attack surface expands. So, keep an eye on them and ensure that they follow best security practices.

Educate Your Employees

Your employees are the front line of cybersecurity defense, meaning they must know the risks and what to do if a cyber attack occurs. Educate them about password management, phishing attacks, and other common cyber threats. Consider holding regular workshops or training sessions to keep your employees informed and aware.

Conclusion

As a CEO, your time and resources are valuable. I get it. But investing in cybersecurity doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. These easy attack surface management tips can significantly reduce your cybersecurity risk and protect your business from potential cyber-attacks. Remember, it only takes one small mistake to jeopardize your business. So, be proactive and take a step towards better cybersecurity. Stay safe out there!