As an auto repair shop with lots of customers’ information stored online, it is becoming increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Furthermore, preventing any online attacks has increased the cost of cyber security, which could ultimately be narrowed down to imposing high prices on your customers.
Companies lose nearly $1.8 billion to cybercrimes. Only a few businesses are secure, while big companies put in a lot of resources to help curb this threat because of their huge online presence exposing them to a high target.
Well, with the high cost of cyber security, it is not likely that every business can pull up its money together to fight it. It is either you reduce the chances of exposure or suffer being a victim of it. Nonetheless, do not give up too soon. Here are ways that can help you reduce the money used in cyber security efforts for your auto repair business. So, instead of worrying about money, why not try to reduce its costs? Read below for more information.
Secure Hardware
It is no doubt if you are worried about a cyberattack that you are storing your auto repair shop customers’ data online and any other details as well. Regardless of lots of attention directed to purchasing sophisticated cyber security software to safeguard the security of your company hardware, do not overlook it. Cyberattacks start with the prevention of the most basic devices such as the hardware. Choose a password, share only with one user, and do not write it down. This could seem a simple yet effective method of securing the hardware from intruders accessing sensitive company data.
Enforce Data Encryption and Back-Up
Your cyber security efforts should never overlook the importance of having your shop’s data encrypted and backed up securely. According to research, auto repair shops are worth nearly $880 billion annually, with an estimated 16,000 establishments in the United States. All these companies have important data, including customer information, financial balances, and more that is so sensitive. If it’s not well encrypted, it could land in the wrong hands. Therefore, to avoid incurring the cost of theft, it is prudent to take prior measures and protect it by encrypting the data and having backup means via a desktop or laptop.
Invest in Cyber Security Insurance
Cybercriminals are always working to ensure that they can breach even the most complex defenses there are in the world. As a result, regardless of whether a company is using advanced software or methods, you are always at risk of attacks and for that, you need to be extra vigilant. You can do this by investing in cyber security insurance. The losses incurred after a loss of data through cyber breaches can well be moderated by investing in cybersecurity. Minimize the risks by seeking help from the best insurance for an auto repair shop. This would cushion you from great losses during a cyberattack based on the level of risk or financial impact.
Develop a Cyber Secure Workplace Culture
If people are exposing your company to data breaches, it is the employees. They may not recognize it, but most are used to starting the process either by inserting external hard drives or disks into their computers and hardware. This action leaves the system insecure and vulnerable to attacks. Also, your small business could initiate a CMMC model that could safeguard your auto repair shop.
For instance, the U.S. DoD answered this succinctly in their memorandum of understanding Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification: “CMMC has, and will remain a priority for the Department, and will safeguard our enterprise against cyber theft losses that cost our nation $100 billion annually, and $600 billion worldwide, equating to 1% of global GDP.”
Furthermore, breaches are most common in the business where staff members are allowed to use personal devices at work. For assurance of security, there is a need for sufficient training and awareness on cyber security.
Unless you have the financial muscles to always go fist fighting with cybercriminals, these are the measures that could help reduce these risks. It also prevents the high costs of cyber breaches and loss of important auto repair shop data. If you do not have sufficient knowledge of cyber security, reach out to us for expert help.
Comments