Stay safe online: Our top can’t-miss cybersecurity resources

You know it, and we know it: Cybersecurity is a big deal. Whether you’re an accounting firm with sensitive client data or a small business owner trying to keep your digital doors “locked,” learning—and implementing—the basics of cybersecurity is key to keeping your business safe. 

Not to mention, protecting your business isn’t getting any easier; it’s actually becoming more difficult, especially for small businesses. And you need all the help you can get with cybersecurity resources. 

From major cities having their systems shut down to unsuspecting victims having their sensitive financial information exposed, the need for robust cybersecurity is more pressing than ever. And since it’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month, there’s no better time to dive into an essential roundup of cybersecurity resources that can help you stay informed and prepared. 

Why you should worry about cybersecurity 

There are a lot of numbers surrounding cybersecurity, and most of them are scary. But they don’t tell the whole story. The truly terrifying tales of cyberattacks are the ones that have tangible consequences, such as shutting down the court system in a major American city. 

Once you read these cybersecurity resources, you’ll be ready and motivated to protect your clients’ data. 

1. A tale of two cyberattacks. Cybercriminals struck two cities: a small municipality and one of the largest cities in the United States. 
2. The Littlejohn data breach. While this breach was massive and successfully attacked the IRS, there’s a lot firms can learn from it. 

How long does it take to learn cybersecurity? 

Learning the basics of cybersecurity doesn’t have to take long. And it’s always a good idea to invest in continuous training. Here are five cybersecurity resources to help you get started. 

1. Know what threats to look out for. Be aware of security threats that face your accounting firm every single day. And learn how to safeguard your firm and your clients’ data. 
2. Learn how to protect your data. As we mentioned earlier, small businesses are major targets for cyberattacks. Use these tips to protect your data. 
3. Separate fact from fiction. The world of cybersecurity is rife with dangerous misinformation and popular myths.  
4. Run through a cybersecurity checklist. Put data protection at the center of your culture by following this checklist. 
5. Quiz your team. To click or not to click? That’s the real question. Find out what can happen if you choose incorrectly. 

Improve your cybersecurity skills 

It’s a common misconception that cybersecurity is just for professionals. That’s just not true. Everyone can—and should—improve their cybersecurity skills. Here are seven resources that can help. 

1. Create a culture of security. It’s important to create a culture where security is of utmost importance. Learn how to keep your firm compliant in this on-demand webinar. 
2. Implement the best application security tools. Check out four tools that will reinforce your cybersecurity position and help keep your data safe. 
3. Secure your remote workflows. In remote and hybrid environments, it’s important that personally identifiable information (PII) stays secure. 
4. Move to the cloud. There’s no better way to improve your cybersecurity skills than with a move to a secure cloud. This eBook shows you how. 
5. Protect client data. Take these five steps right now to ensure you’re protecting client data. 
6. Implement security awareness training. Don’t let one click on a link in an email take down your entire firm. 
7. Make moves to hide from cyberthieves. Go through this checklist to ensure your firm has the components it needs to remain secure. 

Stay aware and empower your business 

Cyberattacks are scary, but don’t let cybersecurity scare you. In fact, staying aware of cyberthreats should empower you to take proactive measures to secure your business. Use these cybersecurity resources to protect your business: 

1. Develop a cybersecurity plan. If there’s no cybersecurity plan in place, chances are your business won’t survive a cyberattack. 
2. Protect your data with a cloud document management system. Your clients trust you with their data—it’s up to you to protect it. 
3. Create a WISP. If you prepare taxes, a WISP isn’t optional—it’s a requirement to maintain compliance with the IRS. 
4. Take cybersecurity to the next level. SaaS cybersecurity can protect your business, but it can’t prevent data breaches on its own. 
5. Invest in cybersecurity solutions. Basic server protection isn’t enough to keep your clients’ data secure…you need a multifaceted approach. 
6. Keep apprised of current and emerging threats. You need to guard against phishing attacks, beef up security and sniff out internal threats before they strike. 
7. Develop a layered security strategy. Having layered security could be the difference between falling victim to and successfully fending off a cyberattack. 

Make the most of cybersecurity resources 

There’s nothing more important to your business than cybersecurity. Learn the basics, improve your skills and stay vigilant. The future of your business—and your clients’ data—depends on it. 

Security starts in the cloud. Move there today.