If you own a small business in Seattle, you might think that cyberattacks are something that only happens to large corporations or government agencies. However, the reality is that small businesses are increasingly targeted by hackers who want to steal your data, disrupt your operations, or extort money from you. According to a Verizon data breach report, small businesses are the target of 43% of cyberattacks.

So what can you do to protect your business from cyber threats? Here are some tips that can help you improve your cybersecurity posture and reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

1. Use a password manager. One of the most common ways that hackers break into your accounts is by guessing or cracking your passwords. To prevent this, you should use strong and unique passwords for each of your online accounts and services. A password manager is a tool that helps you create and store complex passwords securely. You only need to remember one master password to access all your other passwords. One example of a password manager is Bitwarden, which is free and open source.
   
   
2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Another way to secure your accounts is by adding an extra layer of verification when you log in. Two-factor authentication (2FA) requires you to enter a code or a token that is sent to your phone or email, or generated by an app, in addition to your password. This way, even if someone steals your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second factor. Some examples of 2FA apps are Google Authenticator, Authy, and Microsoft Authenticator.
   
   
3. Install a security suite. A security suite is a software package that provides multiple layers of protection for your devices and networks. It typically includes antivirus, firewall, anti-malware, anti-spam, and anti-phishing features. A security suite can help you detect and block malicious software, websites, and emails that might compromise your data or infect your systems. One example of a security suite is Bitdefender, which offers solutions for both personal and business use.
   
   
4. Keep your software and drivers updated. Outdated software and drivers can contain vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to gain access to your devices or networks. To prevent this, you should always install the latest updates and patches for your operating systems, applications, browsers, and drivers. You can enable automatic updates or check for updates manually on a regular basis.
   
   
5. Back up your data regularly. In case of a cyberattack or a natural disaster, you might lose access to your important data or files. To avoid this, you should back up your data regularly to an external hard drive or a cloud service. You should also test your backups periodically to make sure they work properly and can be restored easily.

Cybersecurity is not something that you can ignore or postpone as a small business owner in Seattle. By following these tips, you can improve your cybersecurity hygiene and protect your business from cyber threats.