Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is offering cybersecurity tips for small business amid rising cyber threats.
Making sure businesses have the appropriate cybersecurity controls has become a necessary step in today’s economy. The average cost incurred by a business from a data breach is now more than $4 million, and approximately 40% of small businesses worldwide have reported losing essential data due to cyber-attacks, according to a news release from the Indiana Attorney General’s office.
About 60% of small businesses that suffer a cyber-attack go out of business in less than a year, according to the National Cybersecurity Alliance.
To keep small businesses and consumers protected, the AG’s Office encourages Hoosiers to follow these tips:
- Train employees in security principles: Establish basic security practices and policies for employees, such as requiring strong passwords.
- Passwords and authentication: Require employees to use unique passwords and change passwords regularly. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication that requires additional information beyond a password to gain entry.
- Protect information, computers, and networks from cyber-attacks: Having the latest security software, web browsers and operating systems are the best defenses against viruses, malware and other online threats.
- Provide firewall security for your Internet connection: Firewalls can prevent outsiders from accessing data on a private network.
- Make regular backup copies of important business data and information.
- Secure Wi-Fi networks: If you have a Wi-Fi network for your workplace, make sure it is secure, encrypted, and hidden.
- Employ best practices on payment cards: Work with banks or processors to ensure the most trusted and validated tools and anti-fraud services are being used.
The AG’s Office is responsible for enforcing the Disclosure of Security Breach law to better protect Hoosiers from identity theft. If a business has a breach, they are required to inform their customers that their personal information in jeopardy, the news release says.
If you believe you are a victim of a security breach, fill out the Indiana Data Breach Notification Form online at indianaconsumer.com and email it to [email protected].
For more information, visit indianaconsumer.com or call 800-382-5516.
