Security threats tend to be one of the most ignored parts of business operations. You know they’re there. You know they exist. But you’ll deal with them … later.
What if “later” happens today?
That’s when you go into panic mode. You scramble, looking for any way to recover. You’ll try anything …
It doesn’t have to be that way. Let this be your warning call.
Your cannabis business is at risk from security threats. There are several that are predictably regular. They’re the biggest threats to business, and they’re waiting for you.
BYOD
Using your personal devices for work has become the norm. We don’t even question it. In fact, more than 50 percent of employees state they have never received any instructions for BYOD in the workplace.
Using a personal device at work may be easy for the employee, but it can put you at risk if they utilize sensitive data and don’t take adequate precautions. It’s time to establish a BYOD policy and update it regularly.
Phishing
We’re currently at a point where 81 percent of organizations worldwide have experienced an increase in email phishing attacks. Yet despite this statistic, only 1 in 5 organizations have delivered any kind of awareness training to their employees.
And criminals are getting more sophisticated every day.
They are finding new techniques to hook people in. Email works, but it’s just as easy to lure people using mobile, fake advertisements, and messaging platforms.
Training should start by teaching staff basic security rules. Never share personal information such as credit card, login, or passwords. When in doubt, go directly to a site and login to check the status.
Password management
Protection is key to keeping your data safe. Yet the vast majority of us still have sloppy security practices.
Two-thirds of Americans use the same password between numerous accounts. Over 30 percent have experienced a data breach due to a weak password.
When a password is the only barrier between you and criminal behavior, increasing it to a more complex password is your greatest protection. Two simple steps in the right direction include:
- Require passwords to be at least 12 characters in length, and contain letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Require passwords to be changed at least twice per year.
Public Wi-Fi
We’ve come to expect internet connections wherever we go. Yet using public Wi-Fi puts you at risk.
Teach your staff where they are the most vulnerable. Airports, restaurants and cafes, and other public spaces that include free Wi-Fi are a hacker’s paradise.
You can always browse in a private or incognito window to prevent saving your information. And you should never access sensitive data while in a public situation.
IoT
The Internet of Things is revolutionizing the way we do everything. Cannabis businesses can utilize IoT in a variety of ways, such as adjusting temperature, humidity, and lighting in grow rooms, to productivity and growth applications in the front office.
Yet any connection is a way for hackers to get in. And because IoT applications are coming to market quickly, many haven’t dug deep into ensuring complete protection. That’s on you.
You may be impressed with the latest technology, but don’t forget to ask about security too. Follow all of the above tips for evaluating and handling any new IoT application you bring into your business.
How are you mitigating your security risks?
With security risks increasing exponentially over time, it’s only reasonable for cannabis businesses to find ways to mitigate those threats.
Awareness starts the ball rolling. From there, you can choose to do something about it.
Make your next step about taking action. You don’t have to do it alone.
For IT Strategy, Security and Compliance, or Help Desk Services, reach out to us at Cannabis Technology Partners 360-450-4759.
