Top Cybersecurity Tools for Small Business

Cyber threat has been on the rise in many countries and as such, it becomes very crucial for small businesses to have adequate form of protection. Whereas the big corporations are likely to invest in IT security and specialists and buy the best hardware and software, the small businesses are not likely to have the same resources or budget for the same.

Nevertheless, when you do not have an enterprise-sized security budget at your disposal, it does not necessarily mean that your organization is doomed to fail. It is also important to note that there is no shortage of low-cost and readily-available technological solutions for small businesses to apply to secure their vulnerable systems and information. In this guide, we will present 12 of the most effective cybersecurity tools that are suitable for small businesses.

1. Password Manager 

A large number of data breaches are linked to the use of either weak or reused passwords. To prevent this issue, utilize the password manager, such as LastPass or 1Password, to create and save the complex and distinct password for all the organizational profiles and gadgets. Activate two-factor authentication for every service allowing this feature. The majority of password managers are less expensive than $5 per user per month. 

2. Multi-Factor Authentication

As highlighted multi-factor or two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security added to authentication process other than a password when logging in. This security method is often integrated into the cloud solutions such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. There are also other native 2FA apps like Duo and Authy that support multiple services. The cost is usually zero or a few dollars per user per month.

3. Data Backup

Regular backups of other files, which occurred not long time ago, can be used in case the ransomware or other malware attack encrypted or deleted necessary business data. There are some cloud backup services such as Backblaze, Carbonite, and Acronis that are majorly targeting small organizations, and they charge as low as $5 per device per month. 

4. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Employing a VPN ensures that the data shared between company devices and the internet are secure to avoid leakage of sensitive data. ExpressVPN, NordVPN and TunnelBear are some of the cheap and efficient VPNs that let you protect several devices for as low as $15 a month.

5. Network Monitoring

There are products that allow the monitoring of overall traffic and performance of the business network such as SolarWinds, Paessler and ManageEngine that also help in identifying unusual activities that may indicate an attack. The cost of such helpful tools may cost anywhere from $200 to over $1,000 per year depending on the monitoring required. 

6. Vulnerability Scanning

Windows updates are released regularly and scanning your systems and network may reveal that there are missing patches or misconfigurations that a hacker could take advantage of. Tenable. io and Qualys are two companies that provide cloud-based scanning services targeting small/medium enterprises and may cost as little as $1500 per year.

7. Secure Web Gateway Filtering

Web filtering prevents employees from accessing sites that are prohibited, dangerous and non-productive. Cloud-based SaaS solutions for secure web gateways such as Zscaler, Proofpoint, and Mimecast make deployment easy with no hardware to manage for $1 to $3 per user per month. 

8. Firewall Security 

An enterprise-grade firewall like SonicWall TZ or FortiGate protects all the traffic entering the organizational network perimeter with the best threat intelligence and protection features. Current leading models for smaller deployments are about $600 – $1000 plus yearly security subscription fee, beginning with $150.

9. Endpoint Protection 

All the devices used by the employees should have anti-malware software in order to filter out viruses, spyware, ransomware and other dangerous attacks. Currently, some of the best options for SMBs include BitDefender Gravity Zone and CrowdStrike Falcon that feature scaled endpoint protection for small businesses at $2 to $3 per device monthly. 

10. Security Awareness Training

Modern social engineering, phishing and ransomware attacks are best handled by your employees. There are relatively inexpensive online training tools such as Sophos Phish Threat and KnowBe4 that allow condcut to perform simulated attacks and train users on cybersecurity measures for around $15 per month per employee.  

11. Incident Response Plan

But no matter how prepared you are, a cyber attack could still happen. An incident response plan drawn in advance normally assigns roles and defines processes for identification, handling and recovery from security incidents such as data leakages or malware attacks. Useful and free sources like the SANS institute’s step by step guide aid in developing the plan.

12. Cyber Insurance

Besides the tools mentioned above, an efficient cyber insurance policy hedges against other unpredictable expenses caused by the breach of data, ransomware attack or other crime. It helps in funding for investigating incidents, legal fees, notifying victims, consulting on public relations and possible compensation. Small business base policies can range in price from $500 per year.
The Bottom Line

Even if you can afford to set aside $1,000 for the right mix of cybersecurity tools, it will be beneficial to your organization. Just remember that certain options are going to be restricted by regulation, others are going to be storing and processing sensitive data, some companies are going to need support for remote working and there are going to be other risks that are specific to your business.

By thinking strategically, being cautious and implementing a few effective measures, small businesses can adequately protect themselves from system threats that change as often as the weather. Consult with IT consultants or suppliers to identify the best technologies for your business and available capital.