The Security expert and co founder of Absolute Solutions Technology encourages SMEs on best practices in data security.
Dr Adebola Folorunso, one of the co-founders of Absolute Solutions Technology, a cybersecurity organ, has encouraged Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria on best practices and as well called for proactiveness in data security.
Folorunso who gave the advice while delivering a virtual lecture during a workshop on Cybersecurity Best Practices for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) said this would secure them against cyber attacks.
The workshop was organised by Knowledge Aid Initiative (KAI) in collaboration with the Cyberspace Community Association of Nigeria.
“Cybersecurity should not be made an after-thought by any serious business owner, in order for such a person not to regret his action in future.
“Cybersecurity has become a necessity in today’s digital era for every business, irrespective of its scale.
“It is important for business owners to implement technological measures and practices to protect their systems, networks, and data from cyber crimes, damage, or unauthorised access,” Folorunso said.
She noted that small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in most economies and are key contributors to job-creation and economic growth.
Folorunso explained that business owners must therefore implement measures to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats.
“One might mistakenly think that cyber attackers will only target large corporations or government agencies. But the realities are quite contradictory.
“SMEs are becoming increasingly targeted due to perceived weaker online security and other reasons,” she said.
Folorunso said cybersecurity was crucial for SMEs based on cyberattacks’ high risk and potential impact which could result in financial losses, damage to brand reputation and loss of customer trust.
“Implementing effective cybersecurity measures can be challenging for SMEs’ owners due to lack of financial resources to invest in advanced security measures or to hire dedicated cybersecurity staff.
“But there are various strategic measures that could be taken by SMEs owners to improve their cybersecurity posture which would not require huge finance.”
She listed those measures to include regular risk assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities in their IT systems, regular training of employees, regular update of software and hardware, among others.
Folorunso said outdated systems are often targets for cyberattacks.
“Many cyber attacks leverage known vulnerabilities in software, some of which have been patched by the software vendor but not applied by the user.
“So, every organisations should try as much as possible to prevent, detect and respond to cybersecurity in order to tackle cyber attacks and threats.”Folorunso said.
She said cybersecurity should not be a one-off solution but a continuous process that is essential for the longevity and success of SMEs.
“Stay vigilant, invest in the right tools, engage in regular training, and enforce strong guidelines,” Folorunso advised.
Also speaking at the workshop, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cherithpoint Education and Youth Development Initiative (CEYDI), Dr Olajumoke Akere, urged small businesses and educators to prioritise cybersecurity.
Akere said adopting best practices to secure sensitive data and maintain operational integrity was crucial for the survival of any business.
Speaking also, the CEO of KAI, Dr Success Ojo, advised SMEs owners operating online to be cautious and observe some level of cybersecurity measures in order not to be victims of cyber attacks.
Ojo said creating awareness on cybersecurity issue must be the responsibility of all and sundry for the good of the society.
“This is because attackers and scammers are not relaxing and always full of different strategies.
“So, it is important for online business owners to implement necessary measures that will enable them safeguard their businesses, earn customers’ trust and prevent loss.