5 Must-Use Cyber Security Tools For Your Small Business

It seems like there’s a report of a new cyber security breach every day. As a small business owner, you need to be aware of your level of vulnerability and understand how to protect the sensitive data that you handle. With the right cyber security tools, you can create a safe network environment for your company and your customers. Here are some of our favorite tools to help get you started:

FCC Small Biz Cyber Planner
Updated to version 2.0 in 2012, the Small Biz Cyber Planner from the FCC is an invaluable tool for business owners. Input a small amount of information about your company and click through categories like network security, incident response, policy development, email and mobile to discover what specific information the FCC has to offer on each subject. Choose the categories that pertain to your business and generate a customized report to help you implement a strong cyber security plan. A complete planning guide is also available if you prefer to read information from every category.

Next Generation Firewall
A traditional firewall is like a filter that sits between the Internet and your small business network. Its job is to monitor incoming and outgoing information for malicious activity and potential threats. A next generation firewall (NGFW) takes this to another level with more careful monitoring procedures such as deep packet inspection. Going “deep” inside the bundles of data that move in and out of your network offers a more comprehensive form of intrusion protection. A NGFW looks for vulnerabilities, viruses, malware and potential attacks on business networks as well as Wi-Fi connections to prevent potential invasions.

Cyber Security Tools for Wi-Fi
Since business no longer takes place only on computers connected to an in-house network, many companies are starting to rely on Wi-Fi for Internet connectivity. This allows greater flexibility in terms of device use, but can also pose a threat to data security. Without proper encryption, you run the risk of being hacked by malicious users. Protect your network with a strong password that gets changed on a regular basis and equip employees with software made to encrypt their browsing data if they ever have to do company work on a public Wi-Fi network outside of the office.

HTTPS Everywhere
This extension for Firefox, Chrome, Opera and Android browsers provides an extra layer of managed security on any network. Whether you’re working in-house or collaborating remotely on a project when you’re out of town, HTTPS Everywhere ensures a secure protocol for every site you visit whether or not the site has its own security in place. This is particularly important when you’re dealing with sensitive data pertaining to customers, finances and business operations.

StaySafeOnline.org
To maintain good cyber security measures, you and your employees have to understand the threats that you’re up against and how best to handle them. This includes prevention of attacks as well as dealing with a security breach should one happen. StaySafeOnline.org offers comprehensive information about:

• Risk assessment
• Threat monitoring
• Dealing with and reporting cyber attacks
• Keeping customers safe
• Training employees to understand security
• Building a comprehensive cyber security plan

Managing your company’s cyber security is easier when you have someone to help. UDT’s IT managed services are ready to provide the support you need to ensure reliable intrusion protection for your network. Contact us today to learn more about how cyber security tools can keep your business data safe from malicious attacks.

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