According to research by StrongDM, 61% of small to medium-sized businesses in the United States were the target of a cyber attack1. In today’s digital era, businesses thrive on connectivity and a strong online presence. In such a landscape cybersecurity has become an essential aspect of operations. This is particularly true for businesses in Guyana and the Caribbean region, where the growing reliance on technology necessitates a robust defence against cyber threats.
What is cybersecurity?
The term Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from theft, damage or unauthorized access. It encompasses a range of technologies, processes and practices, designed to safeguard against cyberattacks.
Why is cybersecurity important for businesses in Guyana?
According to the World Bank, 85% of the population in Guyana was using the internet in 2021. This number is sure to have increased over the last few years. As businesses in Guyana increasingly embrace online platforms for transactions and communication, the risk of cyberattacks rises proportionally. Cybersecurity is crucial to:
1. Protect sensitive information
Businesses often handle sensitive customer and financial data that, if compromised, can lead to severe consequences. There are fines, disclosure and compliance-related costs and efforts that will also take a toll on your business in the event of a breach.
2. Maintain reputation
A breach not only results in financial losses but also damages the trust and reputation of a business. Rebuilding trust is often a challenging process. As most people don’t fully understand cyberattacks and how they work, it can lead to a high level of anxiety and mistrust among your customers.
3. Ensure business continuity
Cyberattacks, such as denial-of-service attacks, can disrupt operations. This leads to direct financial losses for businesses. Cybersecurity measures prevent such downtime and ensure uninterrupted business continuity.
Common cyberattacks to be mindful of
1. Phishing attacks
Cybercriminals use deceptive emails or messages to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information. You can have measures in place to warn your employees if an email seems suspicious. You should also train employees to recognize these types of attacks. If they receive a strange request or an unusual message from a colleague, employees should know how to verify the email before taking any action.
2. Malware attacks
Malicious software is deployed to disrupt operations, steal data, or gain unauthorized access. Working with a professional website development company for site maintenance and security will allow you to recover from a malware attack efficiently. These companies will periodically maintain a backup of your website. And, in the event of a malware attack, they will be able to remove the malicious software or code form the site thus helping your website come back online quickly.
3. Man-in-the-middle attacks
Hackers intercept and alter communication between two parties, potentially gaining access to confidential information. Talk to your website development agency about how you can secure communications and what are the right tools, software and services to use to safeguard your website against such threats.
4. Denial-of-Service attacks
In this type of attack, malicious actors overwhelm a system with traffic, rendering it unavailable for users. By having the right measures in place, you can shut down such brute force attacks and minimize the downtime your business website will have to experience.
How can you prevent cyber-attacks?
1. Create a strong password
This is the first line of defence against cyber-attacks. Businesses should use complex combinations for their passwords that combine letters, numbers and symbols. Remember to steer clear of easily guessable information like birthdays.
2. Regularly update passwords
Change passwords periodically for added security. If your password has been leaked and is being traded on the dark web, changing passwords regularly improves website security.
3. Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Implementing 2FA adds an extra layer of security by generating unique codes and utilizing time-based codes for additional security. Often these codes are shared with the user on their phone or via email. Talk to your provider when working on the website design and let them know that you would like to have 2FA for your site.
4. Security certificates
A security certificate is crucial for secure online communication. Certificates validate the legitimacy of a website.
5. Encryption
Ensure that data transmitted between users and the website is secure. Using encryption software can help ensure your customer’s data is not misused. Businesses can acquire SSL/TLS certificates from reputable providers. These certificates also increase trust among users.
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Other website security measures
Web Application Firewall (WAF): A WAF filters and monitors HTTP traffic between a web application and the Internet, providing protection against various web cyber-attacks.
Regular Security Updates: Keeping software up to date patches vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of exploitation by cybercriminals. If you are using a content management system like WordPress, ensure you update it to the latest version and keep any plugins/extensions used on your website updated as well. If this is not done, it will increase the vulnerability of your website.
In summary, cybersecurity is not a luxury but a necessity for businesses in Guyana and the Caribbean region. By implementing strong passwords, 2FA, security certificates and additional measures like WAF and CSP, businesses can fortify their digital defenses.
If you are looking for a website design and development agency in Guyana to help you build a platform for your business that is effective, visually appealing and secure, contact us at Webfx. We provide a bouquet of services that includes website design, development, SEO and online marketing.
Sources:
- Feb. 23, K. Rahmonbek, “35 Alarming Small Business Cybersecurity Statistics for 2023”, [available online], available from: https://www.strongdm.com/blog/small-business-cyber-security-statistics, [accessed Oct 23]
