Four essential security tools for every business.

What basic cybersecurity measures should every business should implement?

Do you believe that your data is one of your business’s most valuable assets? If so, just consider how you treat that precious data. As a point of comparison, how do you store your business’s money? Is it in an unlocked drawer in the receptionist’s desk or in a bank, which is staffed by professionals, protected by a vault, and under 24/7 surveillance? 

In you believe that your data is important to your business, then you should be investing in a basic suite of security tools at the very least. Some of these tools require very little financial investment, but provide dramatic improvements in your digital security. 

Though professional carpenters and mechanics might have racks and chests of tools, most of us have no need for such expansive hardware. However, even the most maintenance-averse among us have a simple toolbox (or drawer) in our homes for basic repairs: a hammer, a screwdriver, a tape measure, some pliers, and, let’s be honest, some duct tape. 

Each of these tools has a basic, yet unique and important, function in the toolbox—which is why you always have them around. 

Though there are dozens of potential security solutions for your business, only a few are absolutely critical for every business. Different types of cybersecurity tools address different types of vulnerabilities—just like the tools in your home toolbox. Some prevent cybercriminals from accessing your data. Some tools provide backup in the event of a catastrophe. Others can flag an attack in process. 

Instead of looking at every type of tool available to small businesses, we are going to examine those that can help prevent issues in the first place. As usual—an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that is the focus of our digital tool recommendations here. 

Let’s take a quick look at five different cybersecurity measures that should always be in your digital toolbox to prevent a damaging cyberattack. 

1. A cybersecurity policy

Cybercrime creates a complex set of issues for businesses. A cybersecurity policy is one way to make sure that everyone is on the same page with their response. Though it might be a bit time-consuming to put together, a solid policy does not require any initial financial investment and puts you on the path to a comprehensive, integrated approach to cybersecurity. 

A cybersecurity expert or managed service provider (MSP) can help you draft a policy, or you can do it alone. Either way, here are a few topics that you should include. 

• Risk Assessment: Where are you most vulnerable? 
• Access Control: Who has access to your network? How much access? How is that access monitored and controlled? 
• Employee Education and Training: How do you make sure your employees are aware of and implementing cybersecurity best practices? 
• Incident Response Plan: How will you prepare for and respond to a breach? Will you take out cybersecurity insurance? Who will you contact for help? 
• Network and System Security: How will you implement security tools? 
• Data Backup and Recovery: How will you ensure that your data can be recovered in the event of a cybersecurity incident? 
• Vendor Management: What are your security requirements for third-party vendors? 
• Compliance: How will you ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards? 
• Continuous Monitoring: How will you monitor your systems, network, and data continuously to identify and respond to cybersecurity threats proactively? 

2. A firewall

A firewall is your first line of defense against an intruder breaking in to your network. You can imagine it as a filter that can be set as fine or open as you need it to be based on your security concerns. 

In water applications, a very fine filter will catch the vast majority of concerning particles, but will also reduce your flow rate and introduce other issues. The same thing happens with a digital firewall. You can set a firewall to very aggressively filter what flows in and out of your network, but as a result you will likely experience a few issues. Some applications might not run well, internet speeds might be affected, and false positives for suspicious activities will become more commonplace. However, open the firewall up too much and dangerous materials are more likely to penetrate your network. 

You can set up your firewall to match the needs of your business with the help of an IT professional, but the most important first step is to ensure that one is in place as soon as possible. 

3. A password manager

You should always practice good password hygiene, but a password manager takes your password security to the next level. These programs store all of your credentials securely and can also generate nearly impossible-to-guess passwords for all your accounts and applications. 

These tools are particularly useful against brute force attacks, where cyber criminals essentially try to force their way into your system by guessing the password using AI. A password manager also prevents you from storing your passwords in less-than-secure locations on your computer, phone, or a sticky note. 

4. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Last, but certainly not least, modern 2FA apps and protocols provide a level of security that no password can ever match. Two-factor authentication refers to a login that requires you to use an additional method of verification beyond your username and password. Common examples are text messages, emails, or apps that send a code to your phone to make sure that it’s really you. 

Although texts and emails are helpful, dedicated 2FA apps offer the greatest level of security against determined hackers. Google and Microsoft both offer good authentication apps for users that are already using those services, and Duo and Authy are great third-party options. 

The Rest of the Toolbox 

What we’ve covered here are only our absolute minimum recommendations. As you can see in the policy section, we have only peeked at the most basic tools in the cybersecurity toolbox. Once you have these simple tools, you might want to consider continuing to add additional layers of security. 

VPNs, anti-virus software, automated cybersecurity software, and other tools can add important elements to your security approach. When combined with the four basic tools we discussed, they can provide a multi-layered security shield to defend against threats on many fronts.