Cybersecurity isn't just for big corporations. Small businesses in Ann Arbor are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals who see them as easier targets with fewer security measures. Here are five essential cybersecurity practices every local business should implement.
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords Everywhere
This might sound basic, but password security is still the #1 vulnerability we see in local businesses. Using "password123" or your business name as a password is like leaving your front door wide open.
What to Do:
- Use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password
- Generate unique passwords for every account
- Require all employees to use strong passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible
2. Keep Your Software Updated
Those annoying update notifications aren't just about new features – they often contain critical security patches. Cybercriminals actively look for businesses running outdated software with known vulnerabilities.
What to Do:
- Enable automatic updates for operating systems and software
- Regularly update your website's CMS (WordPress, etc.)
- Keep antivirus software current
- Replace software that's no longer supported
3. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
An unsecured business Wi-Fi network is like having a highway directly into your business systems. We've seen local businesses get compromised because their Wi-Fi password was their business name or phone number.
What to Do:
- Use WPA3 encryption (or WPA2 if WPA3 isn't available)
- Create a strong Wi-Fi password
- Set up a separate guest network for customers
- Hide your network name (SSID) from public view
- Regularly change your Wi-Fi password
4. Train Your Team to Spot Phishing
95% of successful cyber attacks start with a phishing email. These emails are getting more sophisticated and harder to spot. Your employees are your first line of defense.
Red Flags to Watch For:
- Urgent requests for sensitive information
- Emails from "banks" or "vendors" asking you to click links
- Unexpected attachments, especially .zip or .exe files
- Generic greetings like "Dear Customer" instead of your name
- Spelling and grammar mistakes in "official" emails
5. Backup Your Data Regularly
Ransomware attacks are on the rise, and they can shut down your business overnight. The best defense is having recent, secure backups that can't be encrypted by attackers.
Best Practices:
- Follow the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies of data, 2 different media types, 1 offsite
- Use automated backup solutions
- Test your backups regularly to ensure they work
- Keep some backups offline or in "cold storage"
- Document your backup and recovery procedures
Don't Go It Alone
Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to run a business. The good news is you don't have to become a security expert overnight. Working with a local IT partner who understands small business needs can help you implement these practices without breaking the bank or disrupting your operations.
If you're an Ann Arbor area business owner who wants to improve your cybersecurity but isn't sure where to start, we offer free security assessments to help you identify your biggest vulnerabilities and create a practical plan to address them.