We’ve written about making sure your passwords are secure to keep your website from being hacked and the dangers of click fraud, and now the U.S. Small Business Administration is warning small businesses to ramp up their cybersecurity efforts.
“Cybersecurity is one of our nation’s most pressing national security priorities, and America’s 28 million small businesses, which create two out of every three new jobs in the U.S., are especially at risk,” said SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet. “Small employers are quickly becoming a larger target for criminals looking to access sensitive data because small businesses typically have limited resources for information systems security.”
In 2013, according to the SBA, 44 percent of small businesses were attacked. At risk could be employee and customer data, bank account information, intellectual property, supply chains and business finances. The harm could come through viruses, spyware and other forms of hacking.
We recommend creating a secure site and using an SSL certificate, using firewalls on company computers and shifting to secure EMV payment technology.
In addition, you can visit a new cybersecurity page from the SBA, created specifically for small businesses. There, you’ll find best practices for websites, information about how and when to report problems, links to free online classes and more.