Cybersecurity risks for small businesses have become so prolific that managing them effectively might be considered a full-time job. To be sure, larger companies hire someone whose only role is to keep the company’s and their client’s data safe from scammers and hackers. 

Sure, you can contract with one of those Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions, but this generally won’t be enough to solve the issue. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) even warns that small businesses must make cybersecurity practices and policies a priority. To that end, if you want to guard your business against financial losses and damage to its reputation, here are a few of the things you need to consider about cyber theft and how you can address the problem. 

What Cybersecurity Issues Threaten Small Business?

If a hacker or scammer can think of some way to part your business or its clients with money, data, or both, you are likely to be contacted. According to the BBB, the most common business scams are fake tax collection schemes, phishing, and bogus online purchasing websites. 

In addition to stealing money, hackers generally look for business data. They can sell this to unscrupulous businesses or use it themselves to create fake identities. 

What Happens If You’re the Victim of a Data Breach

If you become the victim of a security breach, the results can be dire for your business. First, you can suffer severe financial losses if a hacker drains your business account. Your business can also be impacted if you are no longer able to access your data, your website goes down temporarily, or you lose customers who no longer trust your brand. 

How to Protect Your Small Business from Cyber Theft

Most small businesses understand that there are bad actors out there who will target them. Still, it’s difficult to remain vigilant around the clock. These scammers rely on a lack of preparedness by small business owners and gaps in knowledge. 

The BBB offers tips and advice to small businesses to help protect them against a wide range of cyber threats. Some of the best practices your business can implement include:

• Identify Your Assets – Take an inventory of the key technologies you use and will need to safeguard from scammers. 
• Protect Your Assets – Assess your current protective measures and determine what else you need to fill in any gaps for full protection. 
• Detect Incidents – Create measures that will alert you to any potential threats to your system, including training for your staff. 
• Respond with a Plan – Create and practice using an Incident Response Plan to take immediate action if a security breach occurs. 
• Recover Normal Operations – Know what you need to do to resume normal operations after an incident. 

As a small business owner, you have a lot on your plate. These tips can help protect your business from security risks, but what about addressing space and functional challenges? If you are looking to expand, downsize, or make improvements in your commercial space, you need a construction partner you can rely on. 

Carolina Services Inc. (CSI) has been serving the needs of business clients through the Charleston, SC area since 1976. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business with interior space improvements and turnkey construction solutions.