Charnie-Lee Adams Kruger Shares Cyber Security Tips For SMMEs. SMMEs are often seen as easy targets by cybercriminals due to their perceived lack of robust security measures. A breach can result in severe consequences, including financial loss, reputational damage, and even business closure. SMMEs are susceptible to most types of threats including phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware infections. Despite these risks, many SMMEs struggle to prioritise cyber security due to budget constraints, limited technical know-how or a general misunderstanding about the severity of the problem.
There is inequality in cyber security, with SMMEs facing more obstacles than bigger enterprises. If you are a smaller business and wondering where to start, Charnie-Lee Adams Kruger, Check Point Country Manager shares some cost-effective solutions that can help you enhance your security posture within your existing capacity:
Leveraging Managed Security Services
Many SMMEs are unable to employ in-house IT experts with limited budgets spent on daily operations. However, that should not mean you have to sacrifice your cybersecurity. Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) could be an effective alternative to provide you with continuous monitoring, threat detection and incident response leveraging solutions such as Check Point’s Quantum Spark advanced security gateways which feature AI/ML-powered threat management for proactive protection, scalable infrastructure to handle diverse client needs, and customisable security policies for compliance. With a lack of skilled resources, SMMEs require centralised management and monitoring so as to receive a comprehensive view of threats and network performance and integrated reporting and remote configuration, and maintenance capabilities, such managed security services can help ensure you can focus on building the business while the experts safeguard your digital assets.
Investing in Endpoint Protection
You may think cybersecurity platforms are prohibitively expensive, but there are options available to support smaller businesses. With the rise of remote work and more businesses operating online, protecting endpoints has become crucial. Endpoint protection solutions can provide you with comprehensive security for laptops, smartphones, and other devices used by you and your remote workforce. Features such as antivirus, anti-malware, and intrusion detection systems can also help against advanced cyber threats and can be inexpensively purchased online.
Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
One of the weakest links in cybersecurity is poor password management, in particular the reliance on weak or overused phrases and words that are easy to crack. Rather than rely on passwords alone it is important that you introduce additional authentication methods to prevent unauthorised access to sensitive information. By implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) such as biometrics or 2FA across all systems and devices, you can ensure that even if your passwords were compromised, unauthorised users would still be unable to access your systems.
Regular Security Audits and Updates
To make the most of your cybersecurity budget it is important to know where the vulnerabilities are in the system to address them, which is why regular security audits and updates are essential. According to the Verizon 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, there has been an astounding 180% growth in the exploitation of vulnerabilities, almost triple that of last year. While most organisations tend to conduct annual reviews, it is best for smaller businesses to do this monthly or quarterly and promptly apply necessary patches and updates immediately to prevent attacks. This proactive approach helps you stay ahead of potential threats and maintain a secure network environment.
Embracing Cyber security Training
Building your own information security policies and executing training on those guidelines can be highly effective for creating a security culture within your organisation. There are various ways to create this and keep it top of mind. One example might be phishing where you could run a contest to see who can report the most accurate phishing emails, using gamification to generate interest and enthusiasm. SMMEs could also consider low-tech tabletop exercises where scenarios are demonstrated effectively. For example, an exercise where teams are tasked with responding to a scenario in which an intruder has gained access to the network during the night shift. By challenging them to determine the next steps: who to approach, which supervisor to inform, and so on, you can reinforce the importance of security. This in fact would be the start of developing a well-defined incident response plan, by outlining roles, responsibilities and procedures for handling various types of cyber threats and preparing your team for real-world situations.
Continuous Improvement in SMME Cyber Security
As SMMEs continue to digitise their operations, cyber security must remain a top priority. While the challenges you face are significant, the strategies outlined above should be considered the minimum protection you can put in place. By investing in employee training, leveraging managed services, implementing advanced security measures, and staying proactive with audits and updates, SMMEs can significantly bolster their cyber security defences and ensure long-term success and stability.
