The impact of a cyber security incident on a small business can be devastating. We see the effects of cyber security incidents on individuals, large companies, and small businesses every day.
The good news is that solid cyber security practices aren’t hard to implement even for small businesses in Australia.
The Payroller team understands that small business owners and operators don’t have time or experience to prepare your business for cyber security risks.
No business should be left unprotected when it comes to cybersecurity. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to cyber-attacks and may lack the resources and expertise to defend against sophisticated threats. Simple security measures such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and using secure cloud software help protect your small business’ confidential data, including payroll.
Why is cybersecurity important for small businesses?
Cybersecurity is crucial for small businesses because cyberattacks can lead to significant financial losses and reputational damage. Small businesses are often targeted due to their limited resources and potential vulnerabilities in their digital systems. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures can protect sensitive data, maintain customer trust, and ensure business continuity.
What are some common cybersecurity threats to small businesses?
Common threats include phishing attacks, malware infections, unauthorized network access, and data breaches. These threats can arise from employee actions, such as clicking on suspicious links or using weak passwords, as well as from external factors like unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
Learn more: cyber.gov.au
Cybersecurity checklist for small business
Enable 2FA for any business software
Cloud software for your small business generally have the option to enable two-factor authentication. This is especially important for software that stores sensitive information like payroll or bank details. If you use secure payroll software like Payroller, make sure that anyone who has access to your payroll account uses 2FA to log in. This ensures that only authorised users can access sensitive payroll data.
Enable 2FA for any business software Ensure that all business devices have antivirus & firewall software
Antivirus and firewall software helps protect your devices from viruses, malware, and other malicious attacks.
Use strong passwords
Encourage any employees in your small business to use strong passwords wherever possible. Avoid password storage as much as possible. If you need to share passwords, ensure you keep records of which employees have access to login details. You can also implement a password management tool to ensure secure password storage and sharing.
Back up your data
Ensure that all important data is backed up regularly. Manual record-keeping is always at risk of physical damage. Cloud payroll like Payroller is approved by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) so that your business’ payroll data is securely backed up online.
Avoid clicking on unknown emails
Always avoid opening, clicking on links or opening attachments sent by unknown senders or from sends with suspicious emails. You should be wary of emails asking for personal information like bank account details, ABNs or tax file numbers.
Use secure websites only
Verify a website’s security by checking to key indicators:
Check for ‘https’ instead of ‘http’ in a website’s URL
The “s” in a website’s URL indicates “secure,” which means that a website uses encryption to protect your information.
Find the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar
A padlock icon indicates that the website uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption. SSL helps ensure that your data is transmitted securely. You can click on the padlock icon to view a website’s security certificate which is generally issued by a trusted third-party provider like VeriSign or Thawte.
How can I educate my employees about cybersecurity?
Educating employees is foundational for cybersecurity. Train them to recognize phishing scams, use strong passwords, and practice safe internet browsing habits. Regular training sessions and simulated exercises can help employees detect and prevent social engineering attacks, reducing the risk of human error as an entry point for attackers.
What cybersecurity tools should I use for my small business?
Essential tools include firewalls, antivirus software, and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Firewalls protect against unauthorized network access, while antivirus software detects and removes malware. VPNs secure data transmitted over the internet, making them valuable for remote work.
How do I implement strong password policies?
Passwords should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Implementing strong password policies involves encouraging employees to create complex, unique passwords for each account. Consider using password management tools to simplify this process.
