For a micro-sized Small to Medium-sized Business (SMB) in New Zealand, every resource counts. Your team may be small, but the risks posed by cyber threats can be just as significant as they are for larger corporations. The good news is, with the right strategies, even the tiniest of teams can stand tall against cybersecurity threats.
A quick refresher on what micro-sized SMBs should be on the lookout for:
Even without formal training programs, make it a habit to discuss cybersecurity during team meetings. Share articles, updates, and best practices regularly.
Even in a compact team, it’s crucial for the person at the helm to prioritize and advocate for cybersecurity, emphasizing its importance in daily operations.
In smaller teams, the responsibility to safeguard the business rests on everyone. Empower every member by sharing resources and tools that help them understand and identify potential threats.
Ensure that if someone encounters something suspicious, they know who to inform and how. This can be as straightforward as a shared email or chat group dedicated to security alerts.
Even without a dedicated IT team, designate one person (possibly someone with a keen interest in tech) to keep abreast of the latest threats and solutions. They don’t have to be experts, but they’ll act as the go-to person for any security-related queries or concerns.
The world of technology and cybersecurity is evolving at a breakneck pace. SMBs are facing challenges they’ve never seen before, especially in the wake of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Disconnect affected devices from the network to halt any spread.
Get in touch with local authorities, such as the New Zealand Police and CERT NZ, to report the incident.
Use secure backups to restore data, if possible. If in doubt, seek professional advice. Remember, paying ransoms can sometimes escalate issues rather than resolving them.
For micro-sized SMBs, size isn’t a barrier to robust cybersecurity. With proactive strategies, even the smallest of teams can establish a formidable line of defence against potential threats.
Navigating the intricate landscape of IT and cybersecurity often presents budgetary challenges for SMBs. If committing to a comprehensive in-house IT department or a dedicated Chief Information Security Officer seems financially daunting, there’s a strategic alternative you should consider.
Outsourcing via a Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) service offers a resourceful and efficient approach. Such services provide tailored, outsourced security solutions, allowing you to harness specialised cybersecurity expertise without bearing the financial weight of a full-time role. This means you can ensure robust cybersecurity measures, even on a limited budget, in an era where remote work and dynamic threats are the norm.