Network Security for Small Business

Think your business is too small to worry about network security?  Think again.  Cyber criminals don’t discriminate based on the size of a company and often cast wide nets that find weaknesses and exploit them.  Here are some key tips to help you protect your business.

1)  Secure your WiFi network.

If you offer Wifi to your customers, set up a separate network that is visible, and either open or has a simple password that the staff gives to customers only.  Have a separate password-protected and hidden network for devices that belong to the business.  To hide the WiFi network, configure your router so that the network name is not broadcast (the network name is also known as the SSID).

2) Know your risks.

What do you need to protect?  Confidential client information?  Credit card numbers?  Do you do business with larger firms that might be attractive targets to cyber criminals?

3) Control access to computers and network components.

Take care to prevent laptop theft. Ensure employees don’t leave their office laptop in a car, even if the car is locked and it’s a good neighborhood.  If you have onsite servers, be sure that access to them is tightly controlled.

4) Keep your software and anti-virus protection up-to-date.

Software vendors regularly release patches and product updates meant to fix security vulnerabilities. Make sure that all computers and devices are set to install such updates automatically if at all possible.   It’s also important to use anti-virus and anti-spyware programs on all devices and keep it up to date as well.

If you have questions or concerns about your small or mid-size businesses network security, call BCS Voice and Data.  We specialize in designing and maintaining networks for businesses of all sizes, and we are well equipped to address all types of networks.