Here are four other tips, based on information from U.S. government sites, to help ensure that this holiday shopping season is a time for business growth — not cybersecurity repair.

Limit physical access: Guard your physical perimeter to prevent cyber criminals from accessing sensitive data and your computer network. Know who has access to your data and network, reduce that number if necessary, and understand what's being shared and what hardware is leaving the building, such as laptops and USB sticks.
Train your employees: Educate your team, because employees are your company's first line of defense against cyber criminals. Discuss and test commonly used social media tactics, such as fraudulent computer offers and links, with employees. Carefully select online computing services, because information you share can be compromised by their systems. Set social network profiles to private and check security settings. Be mindful of what information you post online.
Strengthen passwords, secure Wi-Fi and run anti-virus software: Use stronger passwords of eight to 10 characters that include letters, numbers and special characters. Change those passwords regularly. Carefully evaluate the feasibility of encrypting your most sensitive data, making a backup and storing it in a fireproof safe or off site, and using a dedicated computer for all sensitive information. Secure your Wi-Fi networks to prevent hackers from accessing your servers. Install and regularly update spyware, anti-virus and anti-malware software. Activate your computer network firewall to block connections used to hack into your system and deliver viruses, and set employee-permission levels for downloads.
Grasp your potential for liability: Plan for the worst with cyber insurance to cover losses in case of a breach or fraud.

For facts, tips and resources on creating a cyber security plan, small-business owners and their insurance agents can visit Nationwide's cyber security website.

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Agents can help small businesses fight cyber crime during the holidays

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