BBB Tip of the Week: Information security risks

 According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), today’s business owners must protect against information security risks.

 It’s not only part of protecting your bottom line, it’s a part of your responsibility as an American.

 “Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and each of us has a role to play in making it safer, more secure and resilient,” the agency’s website says, noting that “while the vast majority of the nation’s cyber infrastructure resides in private hands, the risks to national and economic security associated with the compromise or failure of these assets means that their protection requires a concerted public-private partnership.”

  The Internet and other technologies are great for small business, but the benefits need to be guarded against growing cyber threats, according to Homeland Security.

 This month, Homeland Security and other agencies and organizations are highlighting the resources available to small and medium-size businesses to help protect against the increasing risks of electronic theft, fraud and abuse.

 Does your small or medium-size business have a cybersecurity plan in place? If not, it’s easy to take the first steps in developing one. At the DHS National Cyber Security Month website, you can use a simple tool to create and save a custom cyber security plan for your company, choosing from a menu of expert advice to address your specific business needs and concerns.

 Potential topics include: data security, fraud, network and website security, email, mobile devices, facility and operational security, payment cards, incident response and reporting, policy development and management.

 Remember, the best time to develop and implement a policy like this is before you actually need it. If you do have a data breach, you’ll have legal responsibilities.

 It is best to figure out a plan of action beforehand. And as always, if you get a suspicious email or are not sure if something’s a scam, call your BBB office. We’re here to help.

 More info or to report scams: Visit the BBB website at www.bbb.org. Call (509)455-4200 or (800) 356-1007.

Holly Doering, BBB editor