Succeed As Your Own Boss

ENDING SMALL BUSINESS FAILURE

  • Home
  • About
  • Book Melinda
  • Consulting
  • SBL Store
  • SmallBizLady University
  • Free Tools
  • Podcast
  • #Smallbizchat
    • Be a #SmallBizChat Guest
  • Blog
  • Contact
    • We’re Hiring!
You are here: Home / Q & A Interview / How to Improve Cyber Security in Your Small Business

How to Improve Cyber Security in Your Small Business

January 22, 2015 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

Feel free to share...Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on google
Google
Share on linkedin
Linkedin
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on reddit
Reddit
Share on email
Email
Share on print
Print

techno securityEvery week as SmallBizLady, I conduct interviews with experts on my Twitter talk show #SmallBizChat. The show takes place every Wednesday on Twitter from 8-9 pm ET. This is excerpted from my recent interview with Brian Moran @brianmoran. As the Founder & CEO of Brian Moran & Associates, Brian is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs to run better businesses. Brian is leveraging his 20+ years of experience in publishing magazines for business owners (The Wall Street Journal, Inc. magazine, Entrepreneur magazine) to assist entrepreneurs with everything from social media to accessing growth capital to expanding into the global marketplace. Brian is a graduate of Marquette University’s School of Journalism. You can connect with Brian by visiting the company web site.

SmallBizLady: You have partnered with @NortonOnline to promote the #CSPledge what is that?

Brian Moran: It’s about making a pledge to continue to take steps to improve your cyber security throughout the year by updating passwords, software programs and more. You can learn more by following #CSPledge on Twitter. I’m proud to team up with Norton to help educate small business owners and entrepreneurs on how they can better protect their businesses from cybercriminals.

SmallBizLady: Why should small businesses resolve to be better about cybersecurity in 2015?  

Brian Moran:  Because we need to be better at it! A Norton survey of small businesses found about half (46 percent) are confident they are well-protected against computer viruses and malware. And while close to half of small businesses understand how to protect themselves from theft (47 percent) and have a security system installed (78 percent), only about one in three (31 percent) understand how to combat today’s cybercriminal.

SmallBizLady: What are unique challenges small businesses face when it comes to cybersecurity?

Brian Moran: Let’s face it, at small businesses we may not have the tools, staff or resources to help protect our businesses online.

SmallBizLady: How have cybersecurity attacks affected small business?  

Brian Moran: The recent survey by Norton found that, on average, Internet security issues have cost businesses an average of $9,600 over the past five years. Problems resulting from Internet security issues or incidents have cost the average small business $1,600 and two days of lost work time over the past year.

SmallBizLady: How are small businesses managing cybersecurity?

Brian Moran: It varies, but in the 2013 National Small Business Association technology survey, you find that a majority of small businesses handle it internally. Thirty-nine percent report doing it themselves and 33 percent report that a member of their staff handles it. But in that same survey, 1 in 4 small firms have little to no understanding of cybersecurity issues whatsoever.

SmallBizLady: What should small businesses know about how to secure their small business?  

Brian Moran: This blog post on Norton community’s security blog nicely highlights four things small businesses should know about how to secure their small business:

  • Small businesses often experience a greater risk from hackers, malware and other security threats.
  • Security updates for your computer operating system or software often arrive too late. The top five threats in 2013 exposed this, and had 19 days of total exposure and took an average of 4 days to patch. Without a protection system that is both proactive and thorough, you’re leaving your company open to lots of vulnerability.
  • You can have complete protection even when resources are limited. Being resource and budget conscious does not mean you have to forgo protection. With easy-to-implement and easy-to-use security offerings – like Norton Small Business available at Staples – you can protect your small business from security issues.
  • Understand that not all security products are created equal. Look for security products that stand out in these three key areas: ease-of-use, speed and effectiveness.

SmallBizLady: In many small businesses, there are freelancers or telecommuters using their personal tech devices. What are your thoughts on that and cybersecurity?

Brian Moran:  Using personal devices has benefits and drawbacks. On one hand, employees can focus on getting down to business as they are comfortable with their personal devices. On the other hand, it’s potentially exposing private company data. The Norton survey found that more businesses have a security system installed on their desktops (98 percent) and laptops (96 percent) than on their tablets (65 percent) or their smartphones (56 percent).  According to Osterman Research, 15 percent of employees believe they have “none to minimal” responsibility to protect corporate data stored on their personal device.  The Staples Small Business Hub has a good article on security tips and tricks for the remote office:

  • Look into virtual networks or cloud services which can help protect and control data stored on the main office servers.
  • Set up automatic updates for essential software, which helps lower the risk of malware spreading through the network. Also consider instead of users using their own device, have them choose from a list of pre-approved devices that already have the software uploaded.
  • Use wireless encryption.
  • And don’t neglect physical protection, such as a secure lock, alarm system, fireproof safe or paper shredder.

SmallBizLady: What about cybersecurity in the age of social media?

Brian Moran: Social media is crucial to small businesses. To make sure you’re protected, here are three tips from Norton:

  • Set a social media policy for your company and employees.
  • Actively moderate customer comments on your social profiles.
  • Secure your social profiles with strong passwords, and whenever possible, two-step authentication. Only provide posting access to employees you trust to represent your business.

SmallBizLady: What should you do if you fall for a scam on Facebook or Twitter?

Brian Moran: Hopefully this won’t happen, but if your business does fall for a scam on Facebook, here’s what to do:

  • Remove the spam from your feed so no other people can fall victim to it.
  • Change your password immediately, even if you don’t think scammers have access to your account.
  • If you were tricked into downloading an app, remove it.
  • Run a virus scan
  • Create a post on your feed notifying followers and friends of the scam, informing them not to click.
  • Report the scam to Facebook and Twitter.

SmallBizLady: What about mobile security?  

Brian Moran:  Smartphones are crucial to small businesses, and cyber attacks also affect this specific technology. A 2013 Norton report found 38 percent of mobile users had experienced mobile cybercrime. Of those surveyed, only 50 percent reported taking basic safety precautions. Mobile apps are target for cybercriminals. To protect yourself and your business, only download the app from a legitimate marketplace, read the app reviews, look at the developer and do a search of the app online.

SmallBizLady: If I’m a small business owner and don’t feel comfortable managing my own cybersecurity, what would be another option?

Brian Moran: Last year, I teamed up with Staples on their EasyTech Total Support service. It was an eye-opening experience. I know how much I rely on technology to run my company. What I didn’t realize was how little I do in terms of maintaining and taking care of the technology I rely on so heavily. The EasyTech team can help walk you through and install programs, such as Norton Security. In your first visit too, the EasyTech team will scan your laptop for viruses and help with virus removal.

SmallBizLady: What do you think is the most critical thing for small business owners to consider about cyber security right now?

Brian Moran: It’s better to take precautionary and proactive steps now with cybersecurity than wait until a problem arises. As small businesses set goals for 2015, I challenge small business owners to review their cybersecurity protocol, programs and processes. Have an open dialogue with your employees and IT staff.

If you found this interview helpful, join us on Wednesdays 8-9 pm ET; follow @SmallBizChat on Twitter. Here’s how to participate in #SmallBizChat: http://bit.ly/1hZeIlz

For more tips on how start or grow your small business subscribe to Melinda Emerson’s blog http://www.succeedasyourownboss.com.

Feel free to share...Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on google
Google
Share on linkedin
Linkedin
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on reddit
Reddit
Share on email
Email
Share on print
Print

Filed Under: Q & A Interview, SmallBizChat, Technology Tagged With: @brianmoran, @nortononline, antivirus, Brian Moran, computer virus, cyber security, Norton

Fix Your Business Now!

Order SmallBizLady's new book Fix Your Business, 90-Day plan to Get Back Your Life and Reduce Chaos in Your Business. It includes the 12 Ps of Running a Successful Business and readers will finish the book with a new strategic plan to take their business to the next level.

About Melinda Emerson

Melinda F. Emerson, “SmallBizLady” is America’s #1 Small Business Expert. She is an internationally renowned keynote speaker on small business development, social selling, and online marketing strategy. As CEO of Quintessence Group, her Philadelphia-based marketing consulting firm serves Fortune 500 brands that target the small business market. Clients include Amazon, Adobe, Verizon, VISA, Google, FedEx, Chase, American Express, The Hartford, and Pitney Bowes. She also has an online school, www.smallbizladyuniversity.com, that teaches people online marketing and how to start and grow a successful small business and publishes a blog SucceedAsYourOwnBoss.com. Her advice is widely read, reaching more than 3 million entrepreneurs each week online. She hosts The Smallbizchat Podcast and is the bestselling author of Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, Revised and Expanded, and Fix Your Business, a 90 Day Plan to Get Back Your Life and Reduce Chaos in Your Business.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s Connect

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • tiktok
  • pinterest
  • linkedin
  • twitter
  • youtube
  • feedburner

Sign up for the SmallBizLady BUZZ Newsletter and be the first to receive updates and details about upcoming events:

We’re proud to be part of the Mediaplanet Empowering Small Business campaign! The COVID-19 pandemic brought hardship and ruin on the nation’s small businesses, but there’s now reason for hope. Learn about the resources, support, and tools available to help your small business bounce back and grow stronger than ever by picking up a copy of the campaign in USA Today and reading it online here.

Get a FREE Chapter of SmallBizLady’s Book,
"Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, Revised and Expanded"!

Become Your Own Boss

Most Popular Posts

>Seven Ways to be More Profitable in Your Small Business
> 7 Ways to Attract Customers to Your Small Business
> 6 Tips for Managing Small Business Finances
> How to Run a Successful Multilevel Marketing Business
> 10 Ways to Grow Your Small Business With Instagram
> How to Sell on Facebook
> How to Get Over the Fear of Starting a New Business

Featured Videos

Bloomberg News Interview
How to Support Small Businesses During the Holidays

National Speakers Association
Winter Conference

Fox 29 Philadelphia
'Small Biz Lady' gives best advice for starting a new business in the New Year

Fox Business
Starting a Business

MSNBC
The importance of job mentoring for women

#SmallBizChat Live
National Small Business Week: Q&A

Good Day Philadelphia
Expert Shares Tips on How to Become Your Own Boss

Testimonials

Become Your Own Boss is a must read if you’re thinking of launching a business of your own.
Jean Chatzky, Bestselling Author of Money 911 and Financial Editor of NBC’s Today Show
Great step-by-step advice for anyone looking to start their own business.
Andrew C. Taylor, Chairman, Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Melinda Emerson has written a remarkable book. It is essential reading for anyone seeking to make the transition from working girl to successfully working it, as an entrepreneur.
Cynthia McClain-Hill, Past President, National Association of Women Business Owners
The perfect companion for those planning to go out on their own. Melinda delivers firsthand practical advice on how to be the successful entrepreneur. Read it if you want to get it right the first time.
Kenneth L. Shropshire, Professor at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania
If you are looking for a versatile speaker who can talk about how to grow small businesses or get started with social media, look no further.
Heather Van Sickle Executive Director, National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE)
Her wit and depth of subject knowledge were entertaining and empowering. Melinda is definitely on our short list of seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders we look to invite back in the near future.
Tennille M. Robinson Senior content & Event producer for Inc. magazine
Melinda Emerson, “SmallBizLady,” is an engaging and witty speaker and a great addition to any conference. Her terrific presentation and compelling delivery give people the information they need and want to become their own bosses and grow success… Read more
Laurie Dalton White Conference Director, Pennsylvania Conference for Women
Melinda Emerson has been a fantastic small business and social media resource for the Pitney Bowes team. Not only is she personable and easy to work with, but she also has an innate understanding of the small business audience. My marketing programs … Read more
Justin Amendola, Former VP, Global SMB Digital Strategy, Pitney Bowes

Latest #SmallBizChat

The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to License and Sell Your Content with Mitch Axelrod

In this episode, Melinda Emerson welcomes Mitch Axelrod to discuss the intricacies of intellectual property (IP) licensing for small businesses. Mitch shares his personal journey in the licensing field, offering insights into identifying and protecting IP effectively. They explore common pitfalls in licensing negotiations and provide practical tips to navigate these challenges. Mitch Axelrod is […]

Fix Your Business Q&A Video

Recent Posts

  • The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to License and Sell Your Content with Mitch Axelrod
  • What KPIs Should You Track In Your Small Business?
  • The SmallBizChat Podcast: If I Had to Do It All Over Again with Melinda Emerson
  • How to Develop a Business Launch Timeline, Part II
  • The SmallBizChat Podcast: Hit It and Quit It with LaTanya White, Dov Gordon, and Anisha Robinson Keeys

#SmallBizChat

  • SmallBizChat Archive
  • @SmallBizLady

Business Advice

  • How to Start

SmallBizLady Store

Products

Free Chapter

Get In Touch

  • FAQ
  • Be a #SmallBizChat Guest
  • Contact Us
Copyright © 2025
Quintessence Entertainment, Inc
PO Box 280
Drexel Hill, PA 19026
(610) 352-0680
Privacy Policy · Refund Policy

Let’s Connect

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • tiktok
  • pinterest
  • linkedin
  • twitter
  • youtube
  • feedburner