According to the World Economic Forum’s 2016 Global Risks Report, cyber attacks are now the greatest risk to doing business in North America.

While big companies get all the headlines, cyber crime is real for smaller businesses, too. Mostly because online security tends to be weaker. The more sensitive your data is, the more of a target you become.

Here are the 4 best ways you can prevent cyber attacks:

1. Encrypt emails and communications—doesn’t mean you’re 100 percent secure, but making things difficult for hackers is critical.
2. Be strict about passwords—your staff is the weakest link, so make sure they are trained in proper password generation. (And make sure you still have access once those passwords are created!) Consider using password management software like 1Password, PassPack or LastPass.
3. Train employees to recognize bad emails or phishing scams. Red-flags include: multiple spelling and grammar errors, emails asking for credit card information, requests for “immediate action” that require giving out personal information.
4. Keep malware, spyware and firewall software up to date, and require protective software on your machines. Check out anti-virus software such as AVG or Avast to start.

And if you “deal in data” don’t forget make sure your insurance covers it’s loss, corruption, or theft. To request a quote for cyber liability, click here.