Minneapolis Cybersecurity Tips for SMBs

Cyberattacks are on the rise, and businesses have the biggest targets on their backs—which is why there’s no better time for your Minneapolis-based organization to fortify your cybersecurity posture. In this blog, we’re going to share some cybersecurity advice for small businesses your company can use to protect itself.

10 Minneapolis Cybersecurity Tips

From spyware to adware and more, there’s no shortage of cyberthreats lurking on the dark side of the web. How do you protect your company from these dangers? While it may seem like a daunting task, it’s not impossible. By implementing a few small business computer security best practices, you can fend off most types of attacks.

If you want to keep your IT infrastructure safe from cyberthreats, but don’t know how to, don’t worry, we have you covered. We’ve put together a list of some of the best Minneapolis cybersecurity tips you can use to boost your small business cybersecurity. Here are a few steps you can follow:

Regularly Upgrade Your Software

Hackers are constantly trying to find ways around security measures. However, software developers also work hard to ensure any security gaps in their software are covered. If any security flaws are discovered, the developers usually release a fix in the form of a patch.

A patch is a packet of code designed to correct errors in the software. Updates often include patches among other functionality improvements. As a result, it’s necessary to always keep your software up to date with the latest version. Waiting to update could increase the risk of your devices being hacked.

Perform a Penetration Test

A great way to improve your Minneapolis cybersecurity posture is to do a penetration test. Also known as a pentest, this is a threat remediation tactic where you coordinate a simulated attack on your own infrastructure. The main goal here is to reveal flaws in your security so you can fix them before they can be exploited. There are a handful of penetration tests you should know about:

• White Box: The ethical hacker is given some information on the company’s security beforehand.
• Black Box: The hacker attacks the network without any data beforehand. This is also called a “blind test.”
• Covert: This is a test where only a small number of people are aware that a pentest is being performed. This is also known as a “double blind” test.
• External: An external test targets the external assets of the company, like the company’s public website.
• Internal: The hacker starts the pentest from inside the firewall.

Perform a Cross-Check Assessment

A cross-check assessment is a unique security measure Blue Net offers to businesses in the Twin Cities area. Designed to give you a complete view of your network’s security strengths and weaknesses, this assessment performs a comprehensive analysis across multiple departments and divisions. With the information gained, we provide a clear plan on how to fix the critical issues facing your organization.

Control Who Has Access To Your Data

The number of people who have access to the entirety of your network should be limited to only people who need that much access to carry out their job. Everyone else in the company should only have access to the resources they need. By controlling data access, you can more easily quarantine any threat caused by a compromised device.

Train Your Employees in Minneapolis Cybersecurity

Even the toughest cybersecurity measures can’t stand up to an employee unwittingly opening a path in your network. It’s crucial that employees learn about the cyberthreats facing your company and how to avoid them.This can be done by sending them educational material and having your team participate in virtual classes. After educating them, provide ongoing training that allows your staff to put what they learned to the test.

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication

Creating strong passwords can help protect your accounts, but if you want even better protection, you should consider using multi-factor authentication (MFA). This is a security measure that requires two or more credentials to verify someone’s identity. It can be used to create a layered defense against unauthorized access to information, accounts, or even physical locations. It may be less convenient than simply typing in your username and password, but it’s also a much safer security option.

Install a Virtual Private Network

Installing a virtual private network (VPN) is another Minneapolis cybersecurity step you should take toward staying secure. A VPN acts as a private network by encrypting your connection. This allows you to send and receive data privately and anonymously. With a VPN, it’s a lot harder for hackers to gain access to sensitive data.

Don’t Leave Devices Alone

Cybersecurity isn’t just about the software, it’s something that’s also affected by the decisions you make with your hardware. One step you can take to protect your hardware is to avoid leaving your equipment out in the open. The last thing any business wants is for their network to be compromised because of an employee who had their laptop stolen. Make it a rule that once your employees are done with their work, they need to store their device in a secure location.

Monitor Your Network

The faster you can detect suspicious activity in your network, the less damage a threat can cause. The best way to detect malicious activity is to have a network monitoring solution. For example, Blue Net offers 24/7 network monitoring to find and fix issues before they become headaches in the future.

Get the Best in Minneapolis Cybersecurity

Blue Net is the leading managed services provider for Minneapolis, St. Paul, Eagan, and the surrounding areas. We offer a wide selection of IT services to keep your business running smoothly. If you need help with your cybersecurity posture, we have the solutions you need to fight off cyberthreats.

Contact us today to learn more.