Indiana: Protect your Small Business Against Rising Cyber Threats

October 17, 2023

Attorney General Todd Rokita provides tips for small businesses to avoid cyber threats.

Indiana: Protect your Small Business Against Rising Cyber Threats

Did you know that October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month? Did you also know that cyber threats against small businesses are rising? Attorney General Todd Rokita has some tips so that you don’t fall victim to costly attacks. The numbers are scary. According to the US National Cyber Security Alliance: – The average cost to a small business after a data breach is more than $4 million – 40% of small businesses worldwide have lost “essential” data due to a cyber-attack – 60% of small businesses that suffer a cyber-attack will go out of business in less than a year However, there are ways that you can protect your business as well as your customers. Indiana Attorney General Rokita encorages every Hoosier small business to make sure they have cybersecurity controls, what he calls a necessary step in today’s economy. Other ways you can protect yourself include:

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 browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats.
Provide firewall security for your Internet connection. A firewall is a set of related programs that prevent outsiders from accessing data on a private network.
Make backup copies of important business data and information. Regularly backup the data on all computers.
Secure your 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.

“Cybercriminals view small businesses as easy targets and look for any weaknesses they may have in their security systems,” Attorney General Rokita said. “It’s critical for small business owners to have safeguards in place to protect their data and customers’ personal information.” A major role of the Indiana Attorney General’s Office is to enforce the Disclosure of Security Breach in order to make sure that Hoosiers are protected from identity theft. Here’s something important that all small business owners should know: if your business is breached you are REQUIRED to inform your customers that their personal information is at risk. If you believe your small business is a victim of a security breach, the Attorney General needs you to fill out this form. Once you have completed all the information, email the Attorney General’s office at DataBreach@atg.in.gov. If you have a question or need additional help, you can reach the Attorney General’s office here, or you can reach someone by calling (800) 382-5516.

Topics:

Uncategorized

State:

Indiana

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