Small businesses face a wide range of cyber threats, from ransomware attacks to phishing scams. Despite this, many small business owners are reluctant to invest in cybersecurity measures, either because they feel they are not at risk or because they believe they cannot afford the cost. However, the truth is that small businesses are just as vulnerable to cyber attacks as larger organizations, and the consequences of a successful attack can be devastating. Over half of all SMBs experienced a cyber attack this past year alone. One of the most important cybersecurity measures that small businesses should invest in is a firewall, along with layered security.
What is a Firewall?
A firewall is a type of security system that monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. By creating a barrier between your computer network and the internet, a firewall can help prevent unauthorized access to your network and stop malicious traffic from getting through. Firewalls are hardware or software-based, and they can be customized to meet the specific needs of your business.
One of the main reasons why small businesses should invest in a firewall is to protect against external cyber threats. Cybercriminals are constantly looking for vulnerabilities in computer networks to exploit, and a firewall can act as a first line of defense against such attacks. By filtering traffic and blocking malicious traffic, firewalls can prevent unauthorized access to your network and stop malicious software such as viruses and malware from being downloaded onto your computer.
However, firewalls alone are not enough to protect against all cyber threats. Hackers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods, and many attacks are designed to bypass traditional security measures such as firewalls. This is why layered security is so important.
What is Layered Security?
Layered security refers to the practice of using multiple security measures to protect your network. This might include a combination of firewalls, antivirus software, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and employee training. Training employees is key because they are the weakest link in any environment. According to Firewall Times 18% of all attacks on SMBs come from malware. By using multiple security measures, you can create a more robust defense against cyber threats and make it harder for hackers to gain access to your network.
For small businesses, layered security is particularly important because they often have limited resources and may not have a dedicated IT team. By investing in a combination of security measures, small businesses can help to protect their data and reduce the risk of a successful cyber attack.
In addition to protecting against external threats, layered security can also help to protect against internal threats such as employee negligence or accidental data loss. By implementing policies and procedures to ensure that employees are trained in cybersecurity best practices and that sensitive data is properly secured, small businesses can reduce the risk of accidental data loss or theft.
Overall, small businesses need to prioritize cybersecurity and invest in a combination of security measures, including firewalls, EDR solutions, web filtering, and employee training. By doing so, they can help to protect their data, reduce the risk of a successful cyber attack, and safeguard their business operations.
Contact us today to see how we can support your small business with layered security!