Cybersecurity attacks do not only impact governments and large corporations. According to a 2019 Verizon report, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have been especially affected by around 43% of cyberattacks, particularly ransomware and phishing. In Latin America, 85% of surveyed organizations reported being victims of ransomware attacks at least once during 2022, according to the 2023 Data Protection Trends for Latin America by Veeam.
Globally, SMBs represent 90% of companies, as well as 50% of GDP and between 60% and 70% of employment. In Latin America, according to figures from the Development Bank of Latin America, they account for more than 99.5% of the region’s companies and generate 60% of formal employment. Hence the importance of promoting the stability of SMBs in the face of various cybersecurity risk factors that could compromise and affect their productivity.
On the occasion of the commemoration of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day, designated by the United Nations General Assembly every June 27, Kingston Technology Company, Inc, the world’s leading independent manufacturer of memory and storage products offers the following tips for small and medium-sized businesses to improve their cybersecurity.
A first step has to do with raising awareness and educating employees about cybersecurity, since if they are not aware of the risks that may exist, it is easier for them to fall victim to them.
Secondly, it is always important to keep software up to date, as this allows for performance improvements, as well as fixing errors and managing security patches in programs.
It is also advisable to update obsolete hardware. It is not always necessary to have the latest cutting-edge technology, but it is important to ensure that current hardware remains compatible with the latest available software version to avoid creating a risk for the company.
Likewise, it is recommended to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to protect private information when accessing the internet and to disable Bluetooth on devices as much as possible, since it is susceptible to being hacked by third parties seeking to carry out phishing.
Protecting employees’ mobile devices, not just their computers, is another tip to safeguard information and all types of transactions in SMBs. For this, it is advisable to use secure passwords, two-factor authentication, and biometric features.
Similarly, it is essential to have a structured plan for breaches. It is important to keep in mind that it is not a matter of “if it will happen” but “when it will happen.” Therefore, it is advisable to stay one step ahead and have a plan that contemplates what to do after a breach occurs.
Finally, one of the most important aspects is backing up information, especially data that employees have locally. For this purpose, encrypted USBs can be very effective as they help ensure that confidential data can be stored and transferred as securely as possible. This can shield the company against ransomware attempts in which attackers threaten to delete or encrypt company data.
Regarding this last point, it is important to highlight that there are hardware-encrypted devices such as those in the Kingston Ironkey line, which represent a highly cost-effective solution to advance data loss protection conveniently and, in some cases, even more securely than software encryption.
“At Kingston, we offer encrypted USB solutions that can be used by high-caliber institutions such as government agencies and FinTechs, as well as by small and medium-sized businesses, providing all of them with the same level of security according to their needs, regardless of company size, thus ensuring the security and integrity of their data,” says Geraldine Stack, Flash and SSD Business Manager for Kingston Latin America.
As the director of an SMB, it can be challenging to choose the right security solutions in a market with so many options, which is why Kingston Technology offers all companies both its range of secure storage solutions and the advice of experts who have the necessary knowledge to recommend and implement them.
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About Kingston Technology Company, Inc.
From big data to laptops and PCs, including IoT-based devices such as smart technology and wearables, Kingston helps manufacturers integrate solutions that are used to live, work, and play. The world’s largest PC manufacturers and cloud storage companies rely on Kingston to meet their manufacturing needs, and our passion fuels the technology the world uses every day. We strive beyond our products to have a broader vision, meet our customers’ needs, and deliver solutions that make a difference. For more information on how Kingston is with you, visit Kingston.com.
Kingston and the Kingston logo are registered trademarks of Kingston Technology Corporation. IronKey is a registered trademark of Kingston Digital, Inc. Kingston FURY and the Kingston FURY logo are registered trademarks of Kingston Technology Corporation. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
