How to Secure Your Small Business Network Against Cyber Threats

For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the company network is the backbone of operations—connecting employees, customers, and critical data. Unfortunately, cybercriminals know this too. Without strong network security, SMBs are vulnerable to ransomware. Phishing and data breaches can also occur. These issues can cost thousands of dollars and damage customer trust. The good news? Securing your small business network doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right steps, you can create a safer digital environment and protect your business from cyberthreats.

Prerequisites

Before starting, you’ll need:

  • Access to your business router or firewall.
  • Administrator login credentials for network devices.
  • Basic knowledge of employee devices connected to the network.
  • A password manager (recommended).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Change Default Router and Admin Passwords
  • Log into your router and replace default admin credentials with strong, unique passwords.
  • Why it matters: Hackers often scan for routers left on factory settings—this is their easiest entry point.
2. Enable WPA3 or WPA2 Encryption for Wi-Fi
  • Go to wireless settings and ensure encryption is set to WPA3 (preferred) or WPA2.
  • Avoid outdated standards like WEP.
  • Why it matters: Encryption scrambles data, making it unreadable to attackers intercepting your Wi-Fi traffic.
3. Segment Your Network
  • Create separate Wi-Fi networks for employees, guests, and IoT devices.
  • Why it matters: If one network is compromised, your entire business isn’t exposed.
4. Keep Firmware and Software Updated
  • Regularly update routers, firewalls, and endpoint devices.
  • Enable auto-updates whenever possible.
  • Why it matters: Patches close known vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.
5. Use a Firewall and Intrusion Detection
  • Enable your router’s built-in firewall, or consider a dedicated hardware firewall.
  • Advanced options include intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
  • Why it matters: Firewalls filter harmful traffic before it reaches your network.
6. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  • Require MFA for all critical business accounts, such as email and file storage.
  • Why it matters: Even if a password is stolen, MFA keeps attackers out.
7. Train Your Employees
  • Teach staff how to recognize phishing emails, suspicious links, and unsafe downloads.
  • Provide regular security awareness refreshers.
  • Why it matters: Human error is the #1 cause of data breaches in SMBs. Check out the Cybersecurity Framework suggested by NIST.

Tips & Best Practices

  • Use a VPN for remote employees to ensure encrypted connections.
  • Replace consumer-grade routers with business-class networking gear.
  • Back up data regularly and test your recovery process.
  • Set up access controls so employees only see the data they need.

Troubleshooting If Things Don’t Work

  • Wi-Fi encryption won’t update? Your hardware may not support WPA3; consider upgrading.
  • Firewall blocks legitimate apps? Adjust rules gradually rather than disabling it entirely.
  • Forgotten passwords? Store them securely in a password manager instead of on sticky notes.

When to Call a Pro

  • Your business handles sensitive customer data (healthcare, financial, personal records).
  • You notice strange network traffic or unauthorized logins.
  • Security feels overwhelming and you need an ongoing partner for compliance and monitoring.

This is where an MSP like SofTouch Systems adds value. They offer 24/7 monitoring and advanced threat detection. They also provide tailored security solutions designed for SMBs.

Securing your business network is no longer optional, it’s essential to protect your data, your reputation, and your livelihood. Follow these steps. You’ll build a strong defense against cyberthreats. This ensures your business stays safe in today’s digital world.

Ready to lock down your business network?
Contact SofTouch Systems for a free security consultation and see how we can protect your business from evolving cyber threats.

VLC’s AI Subtitle Innovation Brings Affordable Offline Accessibility

When most people hear VLC Media Player, they think of a free, reliable way to play videos. At CES 2025, VLC demonstrated its leadership in open-source technology. They unveiled AI-powered automatic subtitle generation and translation that work completely offline. This innovation supports over 100 languages and safeguards user privacy.

For small to mid-sized businesses, city councils, school boards, and community organizations, this is more than a cool feature. It’s a practical, budget-friendly accessibility upgrade. It can help bridge communication gaps and meet compliance needs. It also makes information more inclusive for diverse audiences.

From Student Project to Global Tool

VLC began in 1996 as a student project at École Centrale Paris. By 2001, it had embraced an open-source model, enabling developers worldwide to contribute. This community-driven approach, free software, global collaboration, constant innovation, has kept VLC relevant for nearly three decades, with over 6 billion downloads by January 2025.

Its model is ideal for organizations needing powerful tech. It avoids heavy licensing costs. This scenario is exactly what SMBs and public service agencies face.

The Game-Changer: AI Subtitles for Everyone

VLC’s new AI feature isn’t just about convenience, it’s about accessibility and inclusion.

What makes it unique:

  • Offline processing: No internet connection required, so it works in secure or remote environments.
  • Over 100 supported languages: Real-time generation and translation for multilingual events or audiences.
  • Privacy-first design: All processing happens locally, keeping sensitive data secure.

For a school district, this could mean translating a board meeting’s live video into Spanish. It could also mean translating it into Vietnamese or other community languages instantly. A city council, it could enable residents who are deaf or hard of hearing to follow discussions without delay. But SMBs, it could open training videos to a global workforce or client base without expensive translation services.

Why SMBs and Local Agencies Should Pay Attention

In an era where accessibility and compliance are no longer optional, VLC’s AI subtitle innovation can:

  1. Improve Public Engagement – Make official communications more inclusive and transparent.
  2. Reduce Translation Costs – Avoid outsourcing every event or video translation.
  3. Support Diversity Goals – Serve multilingual communities and staff without delays.
  4. Enhance Cybersecurity – Keep sensitive meetings and data offline while still offering accessibility features.

These benefits align with the core IT and security priorities we help Texas businesses and organizations meet every day at SofTouch Systems.

Building on VLC’s Example

VLC’s offline AI subtitle tool is a prime example of how open-source innovation can serve practical, real-world needs. Just as VLC has evolved from a campus experiment to a global tool, local organizations can use affordable, privacy-conscious technologies to modernize services without overspending.

If your agency or business wants to integrate similar accessibility features, we can help. We assist in understanding how these tools fit into a secure IT ecosystem. We evaluate options, train staff, and implement solutions tailored to your needs.