Joel Libava
Are you a franchise owner?
If so, should you worry about cyber-attacks?
The answer: Yes.
Should you lose sleep over the possibility of a cyber attack on your franchise business?
The answer: No.
Cyber Attacks: Should Franchise Owners Worry About Them?
It’s a fact that cyber-attacks can be ugly. They have the potential to wipe out a lot of data, and can really hurt your franchise business. And, they are taking place right now. Today.
Thank you, Mr. Kapersky. Your live map is amazing. And, really scary.
Cyber Security Is Key
Your business needs to be protected 24 hours a day. Is your cyber security up to the task? Are you staying up-to-date on the latest Cyber-Security facts and statistics?
And, what is cyber security?
From Whatis.com:
“Cyber security is the body of technologies, processes and practices designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access.”
Here’s an interesting infographic on cyber security.
2014 Cyber Security Intelligence Index
Is Your Franchise Business Adequately Protected?
I’m not sure if this is something you constantly think about or not. I’m not saying you should. What I am saying is that it’s an important enough issue to keep top of mind.
Your franchisor probably has cyber security in place at headquarters. You should ask the IT team at franchise headquarters if they do in fact have a comprehensive program in place. Find out if you’re protected because of what they have going, security-wise.
Also, find out if they have backups of not only their data, but yours, too.
Do you have a back-up system? Is your data at work, backed up? What about your computer at home? Is your personal data backed up on your home computer?
I do. backing up my data has proven to be crucial, time and time again. (5 times, as a matter of fact!) I hope you have a backup system in place. Pay now or really pay later.
Layers
It’s crucial to have layers of security in place. Having layers in place can go a long way in keeping your franchise business not only safe, but up and running, too.
So, if your data is backup by headquarters, consider backing up your data yourself, too. It’s easy to do.Most backup systems are “set and forget.” That’s the way to go. You’ll sleep better at night.
Why take chances?
More Help Coming For Franchise Businesses
The franchise industry refuses to be left out in the cold with regard to cyber security.
Cyber attacks can affect franchise businesses, and that’s why, according to a story on TheHill.com, “The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) — backed by companies such as Facebook, Google and Microsoft, as well as the Department of Homeland Security — will work with the International Franchise Association (IFA) on basic cyber security strategy.”
This is great news for the franchise industry.
The NCSA is an organization focused on keeping the internet, and all of the data being transmitted 24/7, safe. The organization also does great research. Their research is designed to find holes.
Check out this information (from NCSA) concerning small business security:
- 77% do not have a formal written Internet security policy for employees.
- 63% do not have policies regarding how their employees use social media.
- 60% say they have a privacy policy in place that their employees must comply with when they handle customer information and half (52%) have a plan or strategic approach in place for keeping their business cyber secure.
- More small business owners say they do not (45%) provide Internet safety training to their employees than do (37%).
- Two thirds (67%) allow the use of USB devices in the workplace.
- Six in ten (59%) say they do not require any multi-factor authentication for access to any of their networks, and only half (50%) say that all of their machines are completely wiped of data before disposal.
Again, you shouldn’t lose sleep over that information. But, you need to step up your awareness of all things security.
Talk with other franchisees. Find out what they’re doing. Do they have an extra layer or two at their place of business?
Talk to your franchisor and suggest having an expert on cyber security at your next franchise convention.
Remember: You, and only you, are responsible for your data.
Franchise Owners:A Cyber Attack Can Destroy Your Data
This is serious business. It’s about your business.
Find out how you can make your business more secure.
And, back up your data! Save Your Files!
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