FTC Releases Videos to Help Protect Small Businesses from Cyber Threats
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has developed a video playlist of eighteen videos that will educate small business owners on how to protect their sensitive information. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) encourages small business owners to watch and review them. The videos offer advice on how to protect your small business from cyber threats like ransomware.
The FTC offers blog posts, helpful videos, and tips for securing any business. All of the material is free to use and customize.
The FTC has valuable lessons for safeguarding your business ventures.
Secure operations
Businesses should not collect data they don’t need. For example, if birthdates and driver’s license numbers are not needed to open accounts, then don’t ask the user for them. This puts your customers and your company at risk. Build in security from the start. Hackers cannot steal what you don’t have.
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When sensitive data is needed during the course of business, then only store the data as long as needed. If your business collects payment information, only retain the payment card numbers as long as your company needs them to process the transaction. After that, dispose of it securely by deleting it from all databases and devices.
Fix vulnerabilities
Limit permissions. Only allow those employees who need to view sensitive data the access to do so.
Notify Appropriate Parties
If you suspect a data breach, a swift response is appropriate to limit damage. The sooner you notify law enforcement, the more they can helps. Often, a wire transfer can be reversed with the timely cooperation of your bank.
The FTC also created a video which is the agency shared on YouTube.
Data Breach Response | Federal Trade Commission
FTC cyber security video titles include:
- Data Breach Response
- Fraud – An Inside Look
- Start with Security
- Start with Security: Free Resources for Any Business
- Build Security into Development
- Control Access to Data
- Implement Strong Password Policies
- Keep Your Security Current
- Monitor Your service Providers
- Secure Devices and Paper
- Secure Remote Access
- Segment and Monitor Your Network
- Store Information Securely
- The NIST Cybersecurity Framework
- Stop Phishing By Using Email Authentication
- Phishing Your Company’s Good Name
- Defend Against Ransomware
- Protecting Your Business From Fraud
CISA recommends that small businesses owners should review the following articles:
- FTC’s Protecting Your Small Business One Video
- CISA Cyber Essentials page
- CISA Resources for Business page
Keith has 30 years of experience managing staff for the planning and design of highway, bridge and transportation-related projects and specialty structures. Keith oversees the development of and authors numerous reports on a variety of topics related to transportation engineering and has worked with several key clients on projects related to infrastructure security. Keith is a licensed professional engineer in the State of New York, currently a State Board member of the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York and is a licensed commercial pilot with an instrument rating. He resides in Western New York.
