M.A.P.S. - Charting a Clearer Route to Cyber Resilience for Small Businesses
Perry Tsao
Vice President of Claims
Safeguarding against the relentless waves of cyber-attacks has become an urgent imperative for organizations determined to thrive or, at a minimum, stay afloat in the digital economy. However, for small businesses, embarking on the journey of cyber resiliency can often feel overwhelming, much like being lost at sea. That's where the 80/20 rule (The Pareto Principle) comes into play. By focusing on a few basic controls that yield significant results, small businesses can effectively reduce their exposure to common cyber-attacks, such as Business Email Compromise. In this article, we will explore the M.A.P.S. guide, which provides small businesses with a simplified approach to defending against most cyber threats.
By focusing on a few basic controls that yield significant results, small businesses can effectively reduce their exposure to common cyber-attacks
M.A.P.S. - A guide to reduce cyber-attacks.
M - Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
To start optimizing a small business's security posture, it is highly effective to activate Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for email accounts and software applications that support it. MFA significantly bolsters protection by prompting users to provide additional verification factors, such as unique codes or biometric data, in addition to their passwords. For enhanced security measures, consider utilizing app-based authentication tools like Authy, which generates time-sensitive codes on your smartphone. Regularly reviewing and managing MFA settings is essential to maintain its effectiveness. Additionally, remember that enabling MFA can often be as straightforward as a few clicks in the settings menu. Take the time to enable it. Do not push it off until it is too late. Although cybercriminals have develop techniques to circumvent MFA, it still serves as an effective measure for mitigating most risks small businesses encounter.
A - Automatic Software Updates:
Software vulnerabilities can leave small businesses susceptible to cyber-attacks. To minimize this risk, small businesses should enable automatic updates for all software applications used within the organization. Regular updates often include patches and fixes for known security vulnerabilities. Additionally, small businesses should schedule regular reboots to ensure updates are applied correctly. Yes, that might mean turning off computers or restarting browsers once in a while. By keeping software up to date, small businesses can effectively close the door on many potential entry points for attackers.
P - Password Management:
Weak or reused passwords are a common weak point in many organizations' cybersecurity strategies. To address this vulnerability, it is essential to implement strong password management practices. Create strong, long, and unique passwords that combine a mix of alphanumeric characters, symbols, and uppercase and lowercase letters. Utilize trusted password managers like 1Password or Bitwarden to store and generate complex passwords securely. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication for your password manager to provide an extra layer of defense. Finally, enforce regular password changes to mitigate the risk of compromised credentials.
S - Security Awareness:
In cybersecurity, an organization's strength lies not only in robust technological defenses but also in the knowledge and practices of its officers and employees. Building a culture of security that permeates every corner of the company is vital. Small businesses should arm their employees with the necessary understanding of common cyber risks, attack tactics, and the art of identifying suspicious activities. Keep them updated with regular education on the latest security best practices to ensure they remain informed and ever-vigilant. Caution them against high-risk requests, such as unsolicited emails or dubious links, and establish clear protocols for handling such threats.
Furthermore, small businesses should tap into the wealth of security resources their insurance and security providers offer to bolster their organization's cyber defenses. If leaders of small businesses are uncertain how to commence security training for their employees, a practical approach is utilizing online platforms like Wizer that offer complimentary training. Small businesses have access to numerous affordable security training resources; they simply need to actively seek them out.
In cybersecurity, an organization's strength lies not only in robust technological defenses but also in the knowledge and practices of its officers and employees. Building a culture of security that permeates every corner of the company is vital.
Implementing effective cybersecurity measures doesn't have to be an overwhelming task for small businesses. Quite often it just comes down to the basics. By following M.A.P.S. —Multi-Factor Authentication, Automatic Software Updates, Password Management, and Security Awareness—small businesses can significantly minimize their organization's exposure to the most common cyber-attacks.
About Elpha Secure
Elpha Secure offers a comprehensive cyber insurance solution tailored for small businesses. Our top-tier cyber insurance coverage, coupled with our proprietary security software, addresses most of the key controls mentioned above, including robust backups, which we go in-depth here. To learn more about Elpha Secure, simply click here.
Disclaimer: Elpha Secure does not receive commissions, maintain affiliations, or assume liability for any consequences or damages resulting from the use of the third-party security software products or platforms mentioned in this article. These products and platforms are referenced by Elpha Secure solely for informational purposes. Elpha Secure hopes you found the general information provided in this article informative and helpful. The information contained herein is not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon in place of consultation with your own legal, insurance, and security advisors.
