Cybersecurity: A New FCC Online Tool Can Help
I recently came across another helpful article about “cybersecurity” from Julius Genachowski: “Small Business Cybersecurity: A New Way to Customize Your Online Defense System”. See:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/julius-genachowski/small-business-cybersecurity_b_1101946.html?ref=homepage
The article notes that small businesses are considered low hanging fruit for cyber criminals. But, it points to an online tool developed by the FCC (“Small Biz Cyber Planner”) that should help us deal with security. See:
http://www.fcc.gov/cyberplanner
The tool looks like a good start to me. Through the use of a simple drop-down menu, it allows a small business to at least create an outline of a cybersecurity plan. Topics include: Privacy and data security, scams and fraud, network security, website security, email, mobile devices, employees, facility security, operational security, payment cards, incident response and reporting, and policy development and managem,ent.
In addition, the Genachowski article recommends the following common-sense moves to get out of the low hanging fruit zone:
- Make sure that Wi-Fi routers are secure and password protected.
- Regularly change passwords.
- Install anti-virus and provide firewall security for your Internet connection.
- Download and install software updates for your operating systems and applications as they become available.
- Train employees on security principles, such as protecting sensitive information and not clicking on email attachments or links from untrustworthy sources.
- Do not plug an unknowns USB thumb drive into your computer.
It all seems pretty common sense, but… it’s amazing how many of us let this stuff slide.
John Whitney AIA is Senior Vice President for Business Development at Conductrus, a software as a service (SaaS) provider of workforce scheduling software tools for businesses with mobile field service management needs. He is also Founder and Principal at the Clean Energy Action Project, a cleantech research and renewable energy consulting enterprise.