While technologies such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets have helped boost efficiency, communication, and organization for businesses, they also come with risks. Using such technology exposes businesses to the potential of cyberattacks. A survey from the Associated Press finds that small-to-medium-sized businesses are increasingly the targets of cyber crimes. According to the survey, many smaller businesses, such as remodeling companies, do not have the resources to take proper security measures for their data and devices. Remodelers Advantage shares the results of the survey and several tips for how remodeling companies can protect themselves against such cyberattacks.
Most cyberattacks take the form of phishing or social engineering scams, targeting computer, smartphone, or tablet users through email links and attachments. Once a link or attachment is clicked, malware is downloaded on the device, and may spread to other systems.
The Small Business Administration has the following tips to help protect you, your devices, and your data:
- Protect against spyware, viruses and malware by installing anti-virus and anti-spyware on company computers.
- Secure your networks behind a firewall with encryption.
- Establish policies for employees regarding handling sensitive client information.
- Educate your team about cyber-attacks and hold them accountable for security.
- Require strong passwords on all devices and cloud-based services — and change them regularly.
- Protect all the pages on your public-facing website, not just the contact pages.
