Many business owners focus solely on revenue-generating activities, pushing cybersecurity to the back burner. But in today's digital world, neglecting your online defenses can lead to catastrophic consequences far outweighing the cost of protection. Your data isn't just information; it's one of your most valuable assets. Are you truly safeguarding it, or is your business exposed to unseen threats that could lead to financial loss, lawsuits, and irreparable damage to your reputation?

Join host Brandon Gano as he welcomes Michele Novak, founder of CardinalsByte, a cybersecurity firm dedicated to helping professionals and small businesses navigate the complex landscape of digital security and compliance. Michele brings a wealth of experience in risk management and a practical approach to protecting sensitive data. In this episode, she explains why cybersecurity goes far beyond just preventing hacking or ransomware—it's about fundamentally understanding and protecting the data that fuels your business.

Discover the essential first steps Michele recommends, starting with identifying what data you hold and why it's critical to protect. Learn about foundational security measures every business needs, such as robust antivirus software (not just the default!), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and the surprising importance of changing default passwords on equipment like modems and routers—simple steps that cost little but offer significant defense. Michele also addresses the common misconception that large third-party platforms like CRMs or payment processors automatically guarantee your security. Find out why you need to conduct vendor assessments and understand their security posture to know how your data is protected when using their services. Relying blindly on their terms and conditions isn't enough; ignorance can be incredibly expensive if a breach occurs.

With the rise of remote work, are your employees unintentionally creating security gaps? Michele discusses the specific risks associated with work-from-home setups and strongly advises the use of VPNs rather than direct server access to maintain security boundaries. Employee education emerges as a critical theme. Phishing emails and texts remain the number one way attackers infiltrate systems, often loading malware that sits undetected for months. Learn why regular training on identifying these threats is non-negotiable. Michele also touches on more advanced steps like vulnerability testing to pinpoint weaknesses in your systems and how real-world attacks, such as sophisticated "man-in-the-middle" scams intercepting invoices, highlight the need for vigilance and potentially monitoring systems.

Protecting your business requires proactive steps and continuous learning. Michele Novak is committed to empowering business owners with the knowledge they need. Visit her website at https://www.cardinalsbytes.com/contact-us to explore resources and learn how CardinalsByte can assist with compliance and securing your digital assets – a crucial step for any business handling sensitive client information, offering a path to instant clarity on your security standing. Connect with Michele and CardinalsByte for ongoing information on cybersecurity trends and best practices via their social channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571054412796 X (Twitter): https://x.com/CardinalsByte/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardinalsbyte/?viewAsMember=true

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