Protecting your business in a digital world
Cybersecurity is an important part of protecting your business, employees, and customers in an increasingly digital world. It involves safeguarding your systems, networks, devices, and data from threats such as phishing, fraud, ransomware, and data breaches.
Businesses of all sizes can be targets. Taking proactive steps to identify risks, educate staff, and strengthen your cybersecurity practices can help protect sensitive information, minimize disruptions, and maintain customer trust.
Advice from the experts: cybersecurity tips for business
At our recent From Risk to Resilience: Cybersecurity for Small Business Leaders event, supported by Invest Vancouver, a panel of local experts shared insights on the cyber threats facing businesses and steps they can take to protect themselves.
Review the following tips from our panel to help identify potential vulnerabilities, strengthen your cybersecurity practices, and better prepare for emerging threats.
Sohail Kamal
CEO, North Shore Sports Medicine
“Close the door and lock the door. … Even as a leader of the organization, you close the door to make sure that you protect yourself.”
Enable two-factor authentication
Add an extra layer of security to business accounts and require staff to use two-factor authentication wherever available.
Use a password manager
Use a password manager to help maintain different passwords across your business accounts and reduce security risks.
Review your IT infrastructure
Reassess your technology and security systems every few years to ensure they meet your business’s changing needs.
Jennifer Bednard
Partner, Lakes, Whyte LLP
“Have a culture at your workplace where people don’t feel stupid asking those questions about suspicious requests.”
Identify your vulnerabilities
Examine your business processes to identify where scammers could exploit weaknesses, then establish safeguards.
Verify payment instructions
Confirm changes to banking or payment details directly with the client or supplier by phone or in person before transferring funds.
Encourage employees to speak up
Create a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable questioning suspicious requests and reporting mistakes without fear.
Mike Webber
Director of Operations, Better Business Bureau Serving Mainland BC
“Cybersecurity is an ongoing thing that we have to constantly be thinking about and talking about and taking action on.”
Make cybersecurity a monthly habit
Assign staff a short cybersecurity activity each month to keep risks top of mind and reinforce safe practices.
Watch for impersonation scams
Be cautious of unexpected requests that appear to come from executives, employees or customers, even when email addresses look legitimate.
Establish verification procedures
Put clear processes in place to verify sensitive requests and require a second approval for payments to reduce the risk of fraud.
Cybersecurity resources from trusted sources
Explore these cybersecurity resources shared by North Vancouver Chamber members and trusted organizations to help protect your business, strengthen security practices, and stay informed.
BBB’s Cybersecurity HQ Better Business Bureau, British Columbia & Yukon A one-stop resource for cybersecurity tips and practical advice to help protect your personal and business data.
Invest Talent Cybersecurity Hub Invest Vancouver An employer-led initiative that brings businesses together to identify cybersecurity workforce needs, clarify job-readiness expectations, and inform talent solutions.
The Security Starter Toolkit The AI Leveraged Leader & Elliptic Systems Corporation This toolkit includes six documents designed to help business leaders build a company security plan in an afternoon.
Your Duty of Care Now Includes Cybersecurity Leanne Terrace, AI Strategist and Executive Coach, The AI Leveraged Leader An article examining cybersecurity as part of organizational responsibility and the importance of leadership in managing digital risks.
Practical Cybersecurity Tips Nick Bellamy, Owner, Adaptive Marketing Advice on passwords, malware, data protection, and recognizing suspicious requests.
-
Use strong, unique passwords
Avoid simple or long-reused passwords. Generate stronger passwords with a tool such as the LastPass Password Generator .
-
Store passwords securely
Use a password manager such as NordPass or Bitwarden to securely store and organize passwords.
-
Never email passwords
Use an encrypted password-sharing service such as Password Pusher instead of regular email.
-
Scan for malware
Use malware scanning software to detect potentially malicious files. One option is Malwarebytes .
-
Reduce the data you keep
Review older emails and consider securely archiving or deleting information you no longer need, while following applicable record-retention requirements.
-
Run regular security scans
Perform routine security scans and clear temporary files periodically. Tools such as CCleaner can assist with computer cleanup.
-
Restart computers periodically
Avoid leaving computers running indefinitely. Restarting helps complete updates and maintain system performance.
-
Think before clicking
Don’t open suspicious links. On a computer, hover over links to check their destination before clicking.
-
Verify unexpected phone calls
Never share sensitive information with an unexpected caller. Hang up and call back using a verified phone number.
