Cyber security for Small Business, a key management issue
Patrick Gordinne Perez2023-08-25T10:43:24+00:00Cyber security for small business is essential to protect both the company’s own data and the information related to customers and suppliers. Currently there is a legal framework that specifically regulates data protection, it is important to know the legal obligations and the protection channels available to ensure the security of digital information.
Cyber security basics for Small Business
SME cyber security refers to the practices, solutions and policies designed to protect SMEs’ networks, systems, applications and data from cyber threats. While SMEs may not have the same volume of data or IT infrastructure as large corporations, they have valuable information that must be protected.
Here are some key points about cyber security for SMEs:
- Growing importance: In today’s digital age, even small businesses rely heavily on technology to operate, making them vulnerable to a wide variety of cyber threats, from ransomware to phishing.
- Specific challenges: SMEs often face unique cybersecurity challenges, such as more limited budgets, lack of specialised IT staff and lack of awareness of cyber threats.
- Scalable solutions: There are cybersecurity solutions designed specifically for SMEs that are scalable and affordable. These solutions can include anti-virus, firewalls, intrusion detection systems and backup solutions.
- Education and training: A crucial part of cybersecurity for SMEs is educating and training staff on safe online practices, as human error is often a major cause of security breaches.
- Regulatory compliance: Depending on the sector and location, SMEs may be subject to regulations that dictate certain cybersecurity and data protection standards.
Cybersecurity for SMEs is essential in today’s world. It is essential that small and medium-sized enterprises take proactive measures to protect themselves from threats and ensure continuity of operations.
The legal framework for data protection in Spain
The protection of personal data is a priority both in Spain and throughout the European Union. To guarantee this protection, there are specific regulations governing the processing and circulation of personal data. There are two general laws at national and EU level, the bases of which are as follows.
Spanish Organic Law on Data Protection and Guarantee of Digital Rights (LOPDGDD)
Objective: This law, also known simply as LOPD, aims to protect the fundamental rights of natural persons and, in particular, their honour and personal and family privacy, in relation to the processing of their personal data.
Scope of application: It applies to personal data recorded on a physical medium, which makes it susceptible to processing, and to all forms of subsequent use of this data by the public and private sectors.
Rights of data subjects: The LOPD establishes rights such as the right of access, rectification, cancellation and opposition (ARCO rights), among others.
Duties of data controllers: It establishes obligations for those who process data, such as the need to have the consent of the data subject and the obligation to guarantee the security of the data.
European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Aim: The GDPR aims to harmonise data protection laws in all EU member states, protecting and strengthening the privacy rights of EU citizens.
Scope of application: Unlike previous EU directives, the GDPR has an extra-territorial scope, meaning that it applies to any company that processes EU citizens’ data, regardless of its location.
Data subjects’ rights: It introduces new rights such as the right to be forgotten, the right to data portability and the right to be informed in the event of a security breach.
Duties of controllers: Organisations are obliged to implement appropriate technical and organisational measures, carry out data protection impact assessments in certain cases and appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) under certain conditions.
It is important to note that, although the GDPR is binding and directly applicable in all EU member states, states may adopt more specific provisions in certain aspects, as Spain has done with the LOPD. Therefore, companies operating in Spain should ensure that they comply with both the GDPR and the LOPD.
Basic digital security actions for SMEs
For SMEs, data protection is critical in today’s digital age. Ensuring that sensitive data and confidential information is secure should be a priority. The following are basic digital security actions that SMEs can implement to protect their data:
- Regular updates: It is vital to keep all systems, software and applications up to date. Manufacturers often release patches and updates to fix security vulnerabilities.
- Backups: Make regular backups of all critical information. These copies should be stored in secure locations and preferably off-site, either in the cloud or on external hard drives.
- Antivirus and firewall: Install trusted antivirus solutions and keep firewalls active on all devices. These tools can detect and block malware, ransomware and other threats.
- Restricted access: Not all employees should have access to all information; it is possible to establish levels of access according to roles and responsibilities.
- Awareness and training: Provide employees with digital security training, teaching them to recognise and avoid threats such as phishing.
- Security policies: Establish clear policies for device, internet and email use. These policies should be reviewed and updated regularly.
- Strong passwords: Encourage employees to use complex passwords and to change them regularly. Consider implementing a password manager.
- Encryption: Use encryption tools to protect sensitive data, especially if it is transmitted over the internet or stored on mobile devices.
- Secure networks: Ensure that wireless networks are protected with strong passwords and use security protocols such as WPA2.
- Monitoring and audits: Establish monitoring systems to detect unusual activity and conduct regular security audits.
By implementing these basic actions, SMEs can take a big step towards protecting their data and preventing security breaches. At Asesoría Orihuela Costa we offer you the consultancy you need to protect your company’s digital data.