Don’t Let Friday the 13th Ruin Your Small Business’s Cybersecurity

Friday the 13th is considered to be an unlucky day by many people around the world. Some people avoid traveling, making important decisions, or even getting out of bed on this day. But what about your small business’s cybersecurity? Is Friday the 13th a bad day for your online safety as well?

The answer is yes, if you are not careful. Cybercriminals are always looking for opportunities to exploit your vulnerabilities and steal your data, money, or identity. They don’t care about superstitions or dates, they only care about finding weak spots in your security. And Friday the 13th can be a perfect day for them to strike, especially if you are distracted, stressed, or anxious.

As a small business, you may think that you are not a target for cyberattacks, because you don’t have a lot of data or money to offer. But that’s not true. In fact, small businesses are more likely to be attacked than large corporations, because they often have less security measures and resources in place. According to a report by Verizon, 43% of cyberattacks in 2021 targeted small businesses.

So how can you avoid bad luck with cybersecurity on Friday the 13th? Here are some tips to help you stay safe and secure online:

• Update your software and devices. One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from cyberattacks is to keep your software and devices updated with the latest security patches and fixes. This will help you close any gaps that hackers might use to infiltrate your system. Don’t ignore those update notifications, they could save you from a lot of trouble. If possible, use automatic updates or schedule them for off-hours.
• Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. Another simple but effective way to secure your online accounts is to use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA). A strong password is one that is long, complex, and unique for each account. MFA is an extra layer of security that requires you to enter a code or use a device to verify your identity when logging in. These measures will make it harder for cybercriminals to access your accounts, even if they manage to steal your password. You can use a password manager or a MFA app to help you create and manage your passwords and codes.
• Beware of phishing emails and scams. Phishing is one of the most common and dangerous cyberattacks that can target anyone, anytime. Phishing is when hackers send you fake emails that look like they come from legitimate sources, such as your bank, your supplier, or a trusted website. The goal is to trick you into clicking on a malicious link, opening an infected attachment, or providing your personal or financial information. To avoid falling for phishing emails and scams, always check the sender’s address, the subject line, the content, and the links before opening or responding to any email. If something looks suspicious, delete it or report it. You can also use an email security software or service to filter out spam and phishing emails.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi networks. Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient, but they are also risky. Anyone who is connected to the same network can potentially see what you are doing online, or even intercept your data. This can expose you to identity theft, fraud, or malware infection. To prevent this from happening, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for anything sensitive or confidential, such as banking, shopping, or logging into your accounts. If you have to use public Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your traffic and hide your activity.
• Backup your data. Last but not least, backup your data regularly and store it in a safe place. This will help you recover your files in case of a ransomware attack, a hardware failure, a natural disaster, or any other event that might cause data loss. Having a backup can save you from a lot of headaches and costs. You can use an external hard drive, a cloud storage service, or a backup software or service to backup your data.

Friday the 13th doesn’t have to be a bad day for your cybersecurity if you follow these tips and best practices. Remember, cybersecurity is not a matter of luck, but a matter of awareness and action. By being proactive and vigilant, you can protect yourself and your small business from cyberthreats and enjoy a safe and secure online experience.

If you need any help with improving your cybersecurity posture, contact AllSafe IT today. We are experts in providing affordable and reliable IT solutions for small to medium businesses. We can help you assess your risks, implement best practices, monitor your network, and respond to incidents. Don’t let Friday the 13th ruin your day or your business. Let AllSafe IT take care of your cybersecurity needs and give you peace of mind.