It is one of the most common pitfalls an online organisation can face: having its online business page hacked.
Everything from data breaches to the uploading of ransomware is now common, and according to IBM, in 2024, the cost of such incidents averaged nearly five billion dollars.
So, as a small business, it is best to avoid that! Even though hackers are getting smarter, the defences and software that work against them are evolving as quickly, and here, you will be walked through how you can protect your online page from cyber-attacks.
What is a Cyber Attack?
A cyber attack is an intentional effort (usually by hackers) to get access to computer systems and networks. In most cases, the target is sensitive information, such as financial or personal information, including addresses. You need to have security systems and threat intelligence software in place to prevent hacks of this kind, as well as a few other core website features.
Use Strong Authentication
Research into cyber threats has found that weak passwords are one of the most common causes of cyber incidents. Adding multi-factor authentication will add an additional layer of protection, and, if you pair this with a zero-trust policy, it will be easier to spot unauthorised access to your website’s data.
Keep Systems Updated
Outdated software on a webpage is another way that most cybercriminals will seek to gain access. You should always make sure that any software you are using to run your business comes with automatic updates and, if you can, make sure to patch and close any gaps as needed at least once a week. If this sounds too technical, you should seek the advice of a cybersecurity team.
Train Your Team
Another access point for hackers is human error! So, as a business owner, it is your role to make sure that your staff are trained and competent in how to spot malicious attachments, phishing emails, and scams. There are free courses that can deliver the fundamentals, but you should also practice simulated phishing exercises to reinforce training in the workplace.
Back Up Your Data
If you lose data due to a system breach, it will likely devastate your business. As you upload data each day, make sure that there is an automatic and encrypted backup. This will need to be in place both on the site and in the cloud, as having both ensures that the data can be restored quickly if there is an attack.
Develop an Incident Response Plan
With the rise of AI in cyber attacks, there is no such thing as a completely immune system to cyber threats. So, you and your team will need to devise a clear and simple incident response plan, which will highlight the steps you need to take if there is a breach. This will need to include how to isolate the systems that have been impacted, as well as how to recover operations. Be sure that you regularly test and update the plan, as this will ensure that you can respond quickly and minimise any damage.
Remember, engaging in cybersecurity is not a one-off job. It requires regular maintenance to keep your website strong against hackers and attacks. So, stay on top of it to keep everything ticking!