Some SMBs make the mistake of thinking that security breaches only happen to the big names. Despite all the attention that the Home Depot, Anthem, and Target data breaches are getting, cyber-attacks are an equal opportunity threat for every size of business. In 2013, approximately 44 percent of SMBs were the victims of a cyber-attack, according to the National Small Business Association.

Large enterprises are just as vulnerable to cyber threats as smaller companies, but some SMBs can’t afford the incredible cyber security measures that enterprises use to protect their data and customers. Instead, SMBs must stay sharp and focused when it comes to protecting themselves on a small scale against a broad range of cyber-threats– from phishing attempts to full-blown brute force.

The Basic Steps of a Cyber Security Plan

Although there are a wide variety of different tools and software available, the most important cyber-security tool is a good plan. The following outlines these three crucial steps toward strengthening a company’s cyber security without a detrimental effect on the bottom line or employee productivity:

• Create a thorough inventory of both physical and digital assets. These physical assets include devices used on a daily basis to interact with and manipulate important data, especially that which is stored in the cloud. Companies also should inventory any valuable data that can be accessed by employees.
• Develop a comprehensive computer privacy and security policy. Such policies can help strengthen company-wide efforts to promote cyber security on an employee-level basis. By carefully and comprehensively defining how, when, and where employees can be exposed to certain types of data, cyber-security experts can prevent thieves from making off with digital gold.
• Always be on the lookout for unusual cyber activity. Eternal vigilance through monitoring IT systems on a 24-hour basis is a necessity for foiling most, if not all, cyber-attacks. However, hackers are just as vigilant, which is where the latest lines of anti-virus software and other countermeasures come in. These assets must be kept up-to-date in order to deal with ever-evolving threats.

What Else Can Be Done?

Training employees to be more vigilant when it comes to cyber security is an excellent idea. Unfortunately, many SMBs simply cannot afford the time and effort that in-house training entails; in addition, these companies often lack the experience that is necessary for comprehensive training.

As a result, SMBs meet their cyber security needs by contracting with third-party experts and managed network security services. These outside service providers represent an added expense, but the costs are minimal compared to the tremendous costs that a security breach can have on a business.

Creating a concrete cyber-security plan can mean the difference between a successful company and one that is hobbled by a lack of basic cyber-security protections. The former is, of course, the more appealing option.