Password managers – programs that allow users to store, generate, and manage passwords for local apps and other online services – are one of the best way to keep your accounts secure, but not every small business can afford to keep this kind of tech on the books. 

If you fall into this category, there is still plenty of work to be done in order to keep your data secure. Knowing how to create a strong password using proven techniques is a great first step!

Cybercrime poses a very real and dangerous threat to small businesses everywhere. In fact, if you set a Google News alert for the topic, you’d find there are more than enough articles about the constantly changing landscape that is cyber security.  

We keep tabs on what others are saying about this important topic for you, and here are some recent articles we thought you might find interesting:  

Rising Cybersecurity Threats Expected To Continue In 2022 | Seeking Alpha 

Key Takeaways: 

1. As remote work is becoming more normalized across the globe, securing critical data, resources and apps is a must for any small business.  
2. Networks that are too open (or “permissive”) allow cyberattacks to move from user to user once an individual has been compromised. But solutions like Zero Trust Networks provide teams with access to apps without the need to connect to a company's network and possibly expose those users.
3. More remote workers also mean far more devices being used to access networks and apps. Successful security deployments require multi-layered, end-to-end security ranging from up-front security requirements to regular ongoing management and protection of your data.  

Why Businesses Should Follow Government In Adopting Zero Trust Cybersecurity Strategies | Forbes 

Key Takeaways: 

1. A major step forward, the White House’s Zero Trust architecture strategy is a detailed road map listing important requirements for encryption, multi-factor authentication, strong identity management, network segmentation, and round-the-clock dynamic policy enforcement.  
2. Small businesses can definitely benefit from following the government's lead in adopting Zero Trust architectures because they often have access to financial, medical, or other confidential data. 

The relaxed nature of small businesses makes them perfect targets for bad actors around the world. No matter if you’re driving to your American dream or working your way up the ladder at a local mom-and-pop shop, every LLC and DBA is another opportunity for data to be stolen.  

In 2020 alone, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) took in 2,474 complaints identified as ransomware, totaling adjusted losses of over $29.1 million for small businesses across the country.  

For small businesses, some common threats include: 

1. Malware & Ransomware Campaigns 
2. Email Phishing
3. Remote Desktop Protocol Vulnerabilities
4. Software Attacks via Unpatched Vulnerabilities 

But these tech-lingo-heavy terms shouldn’t lead you to believe there is nothing that can be done. In fact, there are tons of opportunities for your small business to prepare and even eliminate these threats through daily practices and long-term security strategies. 

Check out our blog to learn more about the threats small businesses face, as well as how to protect yourself from breaches. 

If you made it this far, we're guessing you see value in protecting your business from cybercriminals and want to learn more. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, where we are posting on the topic 3 days a week!