10 Security Questions From Small Business Owners

Because of many security issues in local companies or global businesses like ransomware, malware and many more, our Managed IT Service team gets questions from our clients all the time about security issues.

Here is a list of some most frequently asked questions along with answers so you can get benefit from this security knowledge as well.

How Can I Tell If an Email I Receives Contains a Malware Program?

The simplest way to spot potential viruses or malware programs in an email is: look at the email address.

1. Is the email unfamiliar?

2. Does it have an attachment?

If the answer is positive then raise a red flag. The best method to prevent an attack from malicious software is to never open any attachments from unknown email addresses: just block and delete the email. If the suspicious email was legitimate, the sender will email you again and again or reach out by using different form of communication.

How Do I Know My Data Is Secure in the Cloud?

We hear this concern frequently from our customers: “how do I know that my data is safe if I cannot see it?” Microsoft’s data centers are infinitely more secure than any security measures a small or medium-sized business may have in place for their servers.

Hosting your servers in a cloud server provides greater security than the “one-premises” infrastructure that you host in your office location. Cloud servers offers month-to-month free hosting, there are no up-front expenses, no ongoing maintenance costs, and no replacement hardware costs.

What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a piece of malicious code written by the scum of the earth and snuck onto your PC through email. Once the ransomware is on your PC, it starts to encrypt your important files like customer documents, finance documents, and HR documents.

Most of the time, you will notice it happening because you will see a new window pop-up on your PC demanding a fee to receive a password to unlock your PC. Sometimes, they will not even send you a password once you pay them. Unless you regularly back up your documents and train your staff how to avoid email scams, you may find yourself in a tight spot with ransomware.

I Have Ransomware, and I Didn’t Back up My Documents, What Should I Do?

If you are not backing up then you are playing Russian Roulette with your documents. Once you have ransomware, there is next to zero chance you can recover your data without paying the ransom.

Why Are Small Businesses Being Targeted for Cyber-Attacks Over Large Corporations?

Unfortunately, small businesses do not have the same cybersecurity resources at their disposal that large businesses do. Think about it this way: who would a thief choose to steal from? A single wealthy person with bodyguards, or 100 distracted unarmed people with their wallets exposed?

What Is an Email Phishing Scam and How Can I Avoid It?

Phishing is the practice of sending fraudulent emails that look like they are from a reputable source. Phishing emails are intended to persuade the recipient to reveal personal information.
You can start by asking yourself the following questions to help eliminate threats before they can cause harm to you and your business:

• Why am I receiving this email?
• What is it asking me to do?
• What is sender email address?
• What is the displayed website URL?

What Is the Safest Way to Store Passwords?

You should store your password within a password vault or password manager. This method allow you to have one “master” password to remember which will allow you to access all you other passwords safely and securely.

What Is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-factor authentication is a secondary layer of security requiring proof other than your password that you are who you claim to be, and not a attacker attempting to gain information.

Is It Safe to Use Public Wi-Fi?

When you are sitting at Starbucks or the airport using public Wi-Fi, be extra cautious. We would suggest not accessing your critical accounts like credit cards, personal information, banks, or even work information. If you do, you run the risk that any other device connected to the same wi-fi can access, view and capture information. Protect yourself by using a VPN while using public wi-fi. A VPN will encrypt all your personal information and keep prying eyes out.

I Purchased an Anti-Virus From Bestbuy; Doesn’t That Keep My Network Safe?

Having anti-virus software is a good start but network security is a multi-prong approach that requires many tools to ensure you are protected. Using a Managed IT Service provider can keep your business safe by using enterprise-level anti-virus techniques, managing and monitoring a hardware firewall, switch and router and applying advanced threat protection for email.

Read more interesting articles on SEOHub.pk.