The FTC provides practical guidance to help small businesses defend against growing cyber threats and protect sensitive information. It emphasizes that businesses of all sizes are targets for cybercriminals and should adopt foundational security practices such as regularly updating software, using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, backing up critical data, encrypting sensitive information, and training employees to recognize phishing and other scams. The guidance also recommends securing Wi-Fi networks and devices, limiting access to data based on job roles, and properly configuring routers, firewalls, and remote access tools.
To manage risk more effectively, the FTC encourages businesses to follow established frameworks like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to identify assets, protect systems, detect incidents, respond quickly, and recover operations. Additional recommendations include implementing email authentication to prevent spoofing, working with vendors that follow strong security standards, and considering cyber insurance as part of an overall risk-management strategy.
This summary is based on the FTC’s small business cybersecurity resource available at: Click Here to learn more.