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Small Business Cybersecurity Best Practices - Now Is the Time to Explore Them

Sneha Hull | November 15, 2021 | 211 views

As the online world gets popular, cybersecurity is a hot topic for discussion. In today's B2B industry, the new work trend of working from any location has supplanted the traditional working approach. However, fewer security procedures have raised the cybersecurity risk for all organizations, particularly small businesses. As a result, small business data is highly vulnerable to such cyber-attacks.

As stated by Brand Essence Research, the worldwide cybersecurity industry will reach $403 billion by 2027, growing at a 12.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).

For every Cybersecurity Magazine, small and medium-sized enterprises account for 43% data breaches.

“As cybersecurity leaders, we have to create our message of influence because security is a culture, and you need the business to take place and be part of that security culture.”

- Britney Hommertzheim, Director, Information Security, AMC Theatres, at SecureWorld Kansas City

Here are the top cybersecurity challenges that small businesses face and need to be considered while setting cybersecurity best practices for small businesses.

  1. The business relies on several manuals and informal processes for cybersecurity
  2. The business struggles to handle the complexity of numerous disconnected cybersecurity technologies
  3. The business lacks the skills necessary to cope with a current type of cybersecurity attack
  4. Managers lack an understanding of or commitment to good cybersecurity
  5. No employee is technically trained, and the firm provides no cybersecurity training to its employees

While small business owners have successfully adapted to new work processes, they do encounter certain obstacles regularly. This blog highlights a few cybersecurity best practices that your small business may adopt. But before that, let's have a quick glance at a few of the cyber security threats faced in the recent past.

Cyber Security Threats in Small Businesses


  • Emotet: Emotet is one of the most damaging and expensive malwares available. It is a sophisticated, modular banking Trojan mainly used to download or dump other financial Trojans.
  • SMS phishing: SMS phishing has become one of the most prominent trends in the world of small business cyber security. Due to the evolution of the media, phishing attempts are now distributed using brief text messages rather than email.
  • Sophisticated ransomware attacks: Complex Ransomware assaults occurred because of the introduction of new, sophisticated types of malware that were a step above anything previously observed. Hence, small organizations should consider using an effective cloud backup solution to protect against data loss.
  • Deepfake videos: Deepfake videos have recently emerged as a significant cyber security concern to small enterprises. These films are designed to dupe company owners into disclosing vital information.
  • Spoof accounts: Spoof accounts is another sort of danger that has developed in recent years. The attacker created a plausible Facebook profile and befriended the employees, using this relationship to collect critical, sensitive, and valuable information from them.

It's critical to review your small business's existing cybersecurity best practices. Thus, the following is a list of the top five cybersecurity solutions for small businesses.

Top 3 Small Business Cyber Security Practices


Strong Password and Authentication


Password attacks were the most prevalent type of cyber-attack seen during COVID-19. The attack occurred as a result of insecure passwords and login credentials. Therefore, small businesses should verify that their password policies adhere to the FBI's standards for creating strong passwords.

Utilize password managers such as RoboForm, NordPass, DASHLANE, and KEEPER regularly to ensure the security of small company passwords.

Another cybersecurity best practices suggestion is that small business owners may utilize two-factor authentication to give an additional degree of security to their digital accounts. Additionally, you may utilize a password-less security strategy to improve account security by eliminating the need for any passwords.

Having these cybersecurity best practices in place may serve as the foundation for a robust security plan.


Provide Cyber Awareness Training to Your Employees


Cybersecurity awareness and understanding among employees are critical for every company. Therefore, cyber awareness training should be mandatory as part of cybersecurity best practices and seriously considered for inclusion in security policy.

The following are some suggestions for educating your staff about cybersecurity:
  • Make it essential
  • Integrate cybersecurity into the onboarding process
  • Teach them to identify phishing emails
  • Teach them the proper password combination
  • Conduct cybersecurity exams


VPS and Security


Considering the present state of the world, including a virtual private server (VPS) into the IT infrastructure is one of the most acceptable cybersecurity solutions for small businesses.

According to Statista, the worldwide virtual private network (VPN) market will reach $35.73 billion by 2022.

As per Global Virtual Private Server Market Report 2021-2026, VPN and VPS usage is expected to reach 49%, with employees working from home.

VPS enables remote access to specific computers and persons without requiring them to be physically present. This access enhances security and safeguards your company's data. Businesses that choose to allow their workers to work from home should search for VPS alternatives that fit with their business's security requirements and cybersecurity resources.

"Organizations are ramping up security monitoring to try to know what is happening on endpoint devices. It's a unique opportunity for security to advocate for the employee experience."

-David Etue, Nisos's Chief Executive Officer, (claimed in an interview with a Media 7 team)

Final Thought


Cyber security is an integral part of small businesses today. It helps companies to protect and safeguard their sensitive and confidential data against cyber theft. However, given the dynamic nature of cybercrime, you need to develop comprehensive and effective cybersecurity solutions for small businesses. As a result, it is vital to verify that these procedures are appropriately applied.

FAQs:


How can small businesses improve cybersecurity?

Here are a few tips for small business cybersecurity improvement:
  • Provide cyber awareness training to your employees
  • Utilize VPS and security
  • Strong password and authentication
  • Protect your Internet connection with a firewall
  • Protect your wireless networks
  • Utilize excellent practices when it comes to payment cards


What are the top cybersecurity threats facing small businesses?

Read out to the top cybersecurity threats small businesses are facing:
  • Emotet
  • SMS phishing
  • Sophisticated ransomware attacks
  • Deepfake videos
  • Spoof accounts
  • IoT attacks


Do small businesses need cyber security?

Information technology has developed into a significant role in the success of small enterprises. Cybersecurity safeguards their business, consumer and employee information, and sensitive data against rising cybersecurity threats. Cyber security is important for small businesses because they cannot afford to lose critical data and information.

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How to Choose the Right Small Business Accounting Software?

Article | July 16, 2022

Introduction With increasing complexities in financial management and migration towards digital technologies for accounting operations, advanced accounting solutions are gaining massive traction across the small business sector. Accounting software assists small businesses in enhancing their financial performance by providing higher accuracy, optimized payroll, automated transaction tracking, centralizing financial records, and others. However, it is crucial for small businesses to integrate the right accounting software as per their requirements to get the most out of the solutions. Since the market is full of numerous accounting solutions with different capabilities, selecting the one that is most suitable for your business can be overwhelming. So what are the factors that a small business owner should consider before looking for an accounting solution? Let’s see below. Select the Right Accounting Software: The Top 5 Primary Factors to Consider for Small Businesses Types of Software With multiple types of accounting software available, such as system software, application software, cloud-based software, and others, small business owners can opt for solutions that suit their operations and working style. If the owners operate in an on-the-go style, cloud-based software is best for them. But if the owners prefer to work from a single location, then the system software is appropriate for them. Learning Curve Until and unless small business owners are aware of the ins and outs of accounting software, using the software may seem complicated. As the high complexity of the solutions can result in costly errors, these owners should make sure that the learning curve for operating the software is not too steep. Features List Before small business owners start reviewing various types of accounting software platforms, they should take the time to brush up on the basics. It is crucial for the owners to make sure that the accounting solution has all the functionalities and features they need, such as inventory management, multi-currency support, payment processing, expense tracking, and others. They should also consider the add-on features that the solution provider can offer. Software Cost Accounting software varies in cost, depending on the number of users it supports, its tools and features, and other factors. The more specialized the software is, the more expensive it gets. Small business owners should compare prices between various accounting software providers and understand the exact amount and the process by which they will be charged. For instance, some of the companies charge standard monthly fees, while others have a single upfront cost with additional charges for add-on services. They should also find out if there are any hidden charges associated with the setup, customer support, and cloud storage. Customer Support A huge part of a reliable accounting solution is customer service. This is because small business owners need quick solutions and answers if they get stuck or have any questions related to the software. They do not want to be bounced around from representative to representative when reaching out for support. Thus, the owners should look for accounting software that offers excellent customer support and service. While selecting the solution, they should research and read customer testimonials about the software’s customer support. Begin Your Accounting the Right Way Efficient accounting is a crucial part of financial management, which involves tracking critical business activities such as accounts receivable and payable, invoicing and billing, bank reconciliation, reporting, and tax compliance, among others. It can be difficult for small businesses to get everything right, yet good accounting is fundamental for the company's growth and success. Choosing the correct accounting software is a crucial first step when getting started with the discipline. To get the most out of your accounting software, it is essential for small businesses to carefully consider their requirements, check the availability of features as per the requirements, and then select the accounting software that provides the capabilities they require for the greatest accounting experience.

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How Are Small Business Accounting Software Meeting the Industry Needs Today?

Article | July 14, 2022

Introduction Every business owner wishes to become financially independent when starting a business. To achieve that, it is crucial for the owners to manage their finances in an efficient manner. When done wrong, financial management, which is supposed to make a company's budgeting processes more efficient, has led to the loss of funds in many cases. Without sound financial management, small businesses may struggle to meet their objectives and might even suffer losses that could push them into insolvency. Financial management assists businesses in maximizing their market share, minimizing capital expenditures, maintaining proper cash flow, and improving profits. Accounting software plays a significant role in proper financial management and has become a vital need for all businesses today. With a better understanding of the inefficiencies of manual bookkeeping and the increased chances of error in finance tracking, business owners are increasingly shifting from managing finances manually to leveraging innovative solutions, such as accounting software, to improve their financial management. Why Is Small Business Accounting Software a Need for the Industry Today? In the course of a typical day, there are numerous tasks and responsibilities that must be managed and accomplished by small businesses by the end of the day. From planning to managing finances and accounting, a small business owner's back is full of a plethora of day-to-day tasks. As a result, keeping track of every last detail is nearly impossible for them, especially in accounting, where keeping track of every transaction is critical for managing business operations. Accurate and reliable accounting management is critical for small businesses and start-ups to ensure stable cash flow. As accounting software helps small business owners keep track of every single transaction along with other benefits, such as managing business finances, understanding profitability, and preparing tax statements, among others, it is becoming a necessity for small business financial management. Here are some of the other reasons why small business accounting software is becoming a necessity in the industry. Overcoming Manual Records With the growing number of transactions in the small business sector, it is becoming increasingly difficult for business owners to track and record income and expense data. As accounting software assists these owners to overcome manual work by recording the data directly into the page in real time and keeping a daily update of all the transactions, it is increasingly being sought by small businesses. Ease in Maintaining Transaction Due to the increasing customer inclination towards the adoption of digital payment solutions, small businesses are encountering numerous obstacles in maintaining all transactions from different online portals. Accounting software helps businesses leverage the bank feed feature to connect credit card accounts and the business bank, thereby centralizing and maintaining all transactional data in one place. Preparation of Reports and Financial Statements Keeping track of all small and large transactions and preparing financial statements, such as profit and loss statements and balance sheets, of these transactions manually is a tedious task and prone to errors. Accounting software automates the preparation of these financial statements and allows comparing transaction activity from prior months and years. As a result, it is increasingly gaining acceptance among small business owners. Increases Efficiency Accounting software allows small businesses to manage invoices and expenses, prepare for taxation, and keep tabs on all the financials, including payments, bad debts, upcoming dues, employee salaries, and others. Delegating all these financial management responsibilities to accounting software enables small business owners to focus on tasks that require their undivided attention, thereby boosting business efficiency. Bottom Line Regardless of the size of the business, every company strives to optimize its financial management, improve efficiencies, minimize costs, and simplify complex and tedious tasks. Accounting software can help small business owners achieve these objectives, along with eliminating time-consuming manual processes and redundancies, by automating accounting practices. Following this, the growing introduction of advanced cloud-based accounting software capable of providing real-time data access to business owners from anywhere at any time and on any device is expected to change the ways accounting is done in the small business industry in the coming years.

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How Are Small Business Accounting Software Meeting Industry Needs Today?

Article | May 6, 2022

Introduction With numerous tasks and operations to take care of, from basic invoicing and billing to project management and tax calculations, small business owners find it a nerve-wracking challenge to keep track of all monetary transactions and manage accounts payable. In addition, the advent of digitization, the growing penetration of cloud-based solutions in the industry, and the introduction of cutting-edge accounting software, among others, are eliminating the extra use of paper, pens, files, and voluminous binders. Because of these small business financing trends, businesses and start-ups are increasingly inclined toward online financial management tools, such as small business accounting software, to handle their financial data. The small business accounting software assists them in examining their financial condition along with accurately recording businesses’ cash flow, generating reports, tracking transactions, monitoring account balances, billing customers, creating purchase orders, and much more. Owing to such compelling features, these small business financial management solutions are garnering massive popularity in the industry. Small Business Accounting Software: Emerging Financial Needs in the Industry Running a small business sometimes entails wearing several hats, such as sending emails, paying suppliers, invoicing, creating processes, and preparing financial reports. All these are essential tasks, along with the other small business operations, such as employee management and work management, among others. None of the additional responsibilities faced by small business owners are as crucial as accounting. Robust accounting processes are vital for keeping businesses in excellent financial condition and helping owners to make smarter decisions. Accounting software provides various features that can facilitate the smooth operation of the organization. From processing invoices to monitoring cash flow, here are the primary ways accounting software can assist owners to meet financial requirements for small businesses and promote growth. Automate Invoicing and Billing Due to the shortage of cash inflow, it is vital for small businesses to keep the cash flowing by billing clients and crediting customers on time. Accounting software assists small businesses in automating the billing process, enabling owners to create recurring invoices, send follow-up reminders, and accept digital payments directly from the invoices. It also assists in tracking all unpaid invoices and preventing accidental missing payments, thereby fending off potential losses. Expense Tracking A common accounting mistake that small businesses often make is failing to accurately track business costs and expenses, which causes a shortage of cash flow. The deployment of the right small business accounting software prevents this from happening and enables firms to keep track of all the spending and identify the source where the money is being spent. Efficient Inventory Management Proper inventory management is a crucial part of small businesses as they cannot stock products in large quantities due to the unavailability of a large amount of capital. Good inventory management is necessary to guarantee an adequate supply and deliver superior customer service. Accounting software aids small businesses in recording stock keeping unit (SKU) codes, monitoring goods, preparing reports, tracking products sold, and running reports on which items firms are doing well and which ones aren’t. Bank Reconciliation Small business accounting solutions simplify one of the most fundamental tasks of the company—bank reconciliation. It enables small business owners to access their bank statements directly from the accounting solutions, along with comparing bank statements, balancing debits and credits, and identifying any discrepancies at the end of each financial period. The Final Thought Maintaining correct financial records at all times is essential for the success of small businesses and start-ups. For maintaining proper accounts, these businesses need a system that overcomes the drawbacks of traditional accounting tools such as spreadsheets. With the introduction of novel accounting software integrated with artificial intelligence, big data, and other technologies, these financial management solutions are paving the way for small businesses.

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Article | September 23, 2022

Introduction Managing finances is crucial for organizations, especially small businesses, to create a stable financial future in which the business is less likely to fail. Small businesses and start-up companies have to face numerous challenges and even bear losses at their introductory stage due to the difficulties in maintaining proper cash flow. According to a study, around 61% of small business owners say that they face challenges in handling consistent and steady cash flow. Many start-ups undertake operational business activities after obtaining loans from different financial institutions due to insufficient cash flow and capital. Hence, to keep small business operations running smoothly, they need to optimize the inflow and outflow of cash and financial management. Small business financial management assists these start-up companies in reducing financial costs, facilitating the availability of investment, and planning, organizing, directing, and controlling financial activities. With competition intensifying in the sector, the need for financial management is becoming even more critical for small businesses. Why Are Financial Management Solutions Becoming Imperative for Small Businesses? Running a small business is not an easy task. Even if you have a great idea and a large number of people longing for your product or service, the financial difficulties of operating a small business can quickly escalate and hamper the business. A plethora of expected and unexpected issues, such as overhead costs, rising interest or inflation rates, impending tax deadlines, remediating damage from a natural disaster, and many more, can create insurmountable obstacles for small business owners. Whether it is insufficient cash flow or a lack of accurate monthly reconciliation reports, many small business finance-related issues can be avoided with the proper management of finance and reporting. What are the other small business money management challenges that financial management solutions can assist to overcome? Let's see: Poor cash flow management Managing a budget Planning future expenses Controlling debt Inconsistent cash flow Tips for Effective Small Business Financial Management Small businesses today are highly fragile due to excessive competition in the industry. Hence, start-ups and new companies have to invest a significant amount of money in order to keep their business fully functional and running. Right from accumulating funds to allocating and spending them, it is crucial for small business owners to have a transparent view of their financial position and business undertakings to engage in planning for efficient utilization of available resources. Effective financial management not only assists in managing small businesses' finance and rotating the cash invested in the business, but it also assists in analyzing revenue generation, formulating suitable financial strategies, and calculating adequate returns, among others. It is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of businesses, irrespective of their size. With an increasing need for managing huge funds, continuous transactions, daily cash flow, payrolls, and others, it is becoming even more critical for small businesses and start-ups to manage their finances effectively. Here are some of the vital tips that can help small businesses analyze and manage their finance effectively: Prioritize business financial planning Create a budget and stick to it Analyze cash flow Keep business and personal finances separate Focus on expenditures but also ROI Monitor spending Opt for a financial solution or service Final Thoughts With the fast-changing financial requirements of small businesses and the emergence of novel small business financing trends, entrepreneurs are emphasizing streamlining and managing their financial chores. To overcome a growing number of financial obstacles, leading financial solution developers are aiming at integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics in novel small business financial management solutions. This is anticipated to create a strong demand for innovative financial management tools, such as small business accounting software, across the industry in the forthcoming years.

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Introduction With increasing complexities in financial management and migration towards digital technologies for accounting operations, advanced accounting solutions are gaining massive traction across the small business sector. Accounting software assists small businesses in enhancing their financial performance by providing higher accuracy, optimized payroll, automated transaction tracking, centralizing financial records, and others. However, it is crucial for small businesses to integrate the right accounting software as per their requirements to get the most out of the solutions. Since the market is full of numerous accounting solutions with different capabilities, selecting the one that is most suitable for your business can be overwhelming. So what are the factors that a small business owner should consider before looking for an accounting solution? Let’s see below. Select the Right Accounting Software: The Top 5 Primary Factors to Consider for Small Businesses Types of Software With multiple types of accounting software available, such as system software, application software, cloud-based software, and others, small business owners can opt for solutions that suit their operations and working style. If the owners operate in an on-the-go style, cloud-based software is best for them. But if the owners prefer to work from a single location, then the system software is appropriate for them. Learning Curve Until and unless small business owners are aware of the ins and outs of accounting software, using the software may seem complicated. As the high complexity of the solutions can result in costly errors, these owners should make sure that the learning curve for operating the software is not too steep. Features List Before small business owners start reviewing various types of accounting software platforms, they should take the time to brush up on the basics. It is crucial for the owners to make sure that the accounting solution has all the functionalities and features they need, such as inventory management, multi-currency support, payment processing, expense tracking, and others. They should also consider the add-on features that the solution provider can offer. Software Cost Accounting software varies in cost, depending on the number of users it supports, its tools and features, and other factors. The more specialized the software is, the more expensive it gets. Small business owners should compare prices between various accounting software providers and understand the exact amount and the process by which they will be charged. For instance, some of the companies charge standard monthly fees, while others have a single upfront cost with additional charges for add-on services. They should also find out if there are any hidden charges associated with the setup, customer support, and cloud storage. Customer Support A huge part of a reliable accounting solution is customer service. This is because small business owners need quick solutions and answers if they get stuck or have any questions related to the software. They do not want to be bounced around from representative to representative when reaching out for support. Thus, the owners should look for accounting software that offers excellent customer support and service. While selecting the solution, they should research and read customer testimonials about the software’s customer support. Begin Your Accounting the Right Way Efficient accounting is a crucial part of financial management, which involves tracking critical business activities such as accounts receivable and payable, invoicing and billing, bank reconciliation, reporting, and tax compliance, among others. It can be difficult for small businesses to get everything right, yet good accounting is fundamental for the company's growth and success. Choosing the correct accounting software is a crucial first step when getting started with the discipline. To get the most out of your accounting software, it is essential for small businesses to carefully consider their requirements, check the availability of features as per the requirements, and then select the accounting software that provides the capabilities they require for the greatest accounting experience.

Read More
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Cyberattacks: Surfacing Threat to Small Businesses

Article | July 14, 2022

Introduction Every business owner wishes to become financially independent when starting a business. To achieve that, it is crucial for the owners to manage their finances in an efficient manner. When done wrong, financial management, which is supposed to make a company's budgeting processes more efficient, has led to the loss of funds in many cases. Without sound financial management, small businesses may struggle to meet their objectives and might even suffer losses that could push them into insolvency. Financial management assists businesses in maximizing their market share, minimizing capital expenditures, maintaining proper cash flow, and improving profits. Accounting software plays a significant role in proper financial management and has become a vital need for all businesses today. With a better understanding of the inefficiencies of manual bookkeeping and the increased chances of error in finance tracking, business owners are increasingly shifting from managing finances manually to leveraging innovative solutions, such as accounting software, to improve their financial management. Why Is Small Business Accounting Software a Need for the Industry Today? In the course of a typical day, there are numerous tasks and responsibilities that must be managed and accomplished by small businesses by the end of the day. From planning to managing finances and accounting, a small business owner's back is full of a plethora of day-to-day tasks. As a result, keeping track of every last detail is nearly impossible for them, especially in accounting, where keeping track of every transaction is critical for managing business operations. Accurate and reliable accounting management is critical for small businesses and start-ups to ensure stable cash flow. As accounting software helps small business owners keep track of every single transaction along with other benefits, such as managing business finances, understanding profitability, and preparing tax statements, among others, it is becoming a necessity for small business financial management. Here are some of the other reasons why small business accounting software is becoming a necessity in the industry. Overcoming Manual Records With the growing number of transactions in the small business sector, it is becoming increasingly difficult for business owners to track and record income and expense data. As accounting software assists these owners to overcome manual work by recording the data directly into the page in real time and keeping a daily update of all the transactions, it is increasingly being sought by small businesses. Ease in Maintaining Transaction Due to the increasing customer inclination towards the adoption of digital payment solutions, small businesses are encountering numerous obstacles in maintaining all transactions from different online portals. Accounting software helps businesses leverage the bank feed feature to connect credit card accounts and the business bank, thereby centralizing and maintaining all transactional data in one place. Preparation of Reports and Financial Statements Keeping track of all small and large transactions and preparing financial statements, such as profit and loss statements and balance sheets, of these transactions manually is a tedious task and prone to errors. Accounting software automates the preparation of these financial statements and allows comparing transaction activity from prior months and years. As a result, it is increasingly gaining acceptance among small business owners. Increases Efficiency Accounting software allows small businesses to manage invoices and expenses, prepare for taxation, and keep tabs on all the financials, including payments, bad debts, upcoming dues, employee salaries, and others. Delegating all these financial management responsibilities to accounting software enables small business owners to focus on tasks that require their undivided attention, thereby boosting business efficiency. Bottom Line Regardless of the size of the business, every company strives to optimize its financial management, improve efficiencies, minimize costs, and simplify complex and tedious tasks. Accounting software can help small business owners achieve these objectives, along with eliminating time-consuming manual processes and redundancies, by automating accounting practices. Following this, the growing introduction of advanced cloud-based accounting software capable of providing real-time data access to business owners from anywhere at any time and on any device is expected to change the ways accounting is done in the small business industry in the coming years.

Read More
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Article | May 6, 2022

Introduction With numerous tasks and operations to take care of, from basic invoicing and billing to project management and tax calculations, small business owners find it a nerve-wracking challenge to keep track of all monetary transactions and manage accounts payable. In addition, the advent of digitization, the growing penetration of cloud-based solutions in the industry, and the introduction of cutting-edge accounting software, among others, are eliminating the extra use of paper, pens, files, and voluminous binders. Because of these small business financing trends, businesses and start-ups are increasingly inclined toward online financial management tools, such as small business accounting software, to handle their financial data. The small business accounting software assists them in examining their financial condition along with accurately recording businesses’ cash flow, generating reports, tracking transactions, monitoring account balances, billing customers, creating purchase orders, and much more. Owing to such compelling features, these small business financial management solutions are garnering massive popularity in the industry. Small Business Accounting Software: Emerging Financial Needs in the Industry Running a small business sometimes entails wearing several hats, such as sending emails, paying suppliers, invoicing, creating processes, and preparing financial reports. All these are essential tasks, along with the other small business operations, such as employee management and work management, among others. None of the additional responsibilities faced by small business owners are as crucial as accounting. Robust accounting processes are vital for keeping businesses in excellent financial condition and helping owners to make smarter decisions. Accounting software provides various features that can facilitate the smooth operation of the organization. From processing invoices to monitoring cash flow, here are the primary ways accounting software can assist owners to meet financial requirements for small businesses and promote growth. Automate Invoicing and Billing Due to the shortage of cash inflow, it is vital for small businesses to keep the cash flowing by billing clients and crediting customers on time. Accounting software assists small businesses in automating the billing process, enabling owners to create recurring invoices, send follow-up reminders, and accept digital payments directly from the invoices. It also assists in tracking all unpaid invoices and preventing accidental missing payments, thereby fending off potential losses. Expense Tracking A common accounting mistake that small businesses often make is failing to accurately track business costs and expenses, which causes a shortage of cash flow. The deployment of the right small business accounting software prevents this from happening and enables firms to keep track of all the spending and identify the source where the money is being spent. Efficient Inventory Management Proper inventory management is a crucial part of small businesses as they cannot stock products in large quantities due to the unavailability of a large amount of capital. Good inventory management is necessary to guarantee an adequate supply and deliver superior customer service. Accounting software aids small businesses in recording stock keeping unit (SKU) codes, monitoring goods, preparing reports, tracking products sold, and running reports on which items firms are doing well and which ones aren’t. Bank Reconciliation Small business accounting solutions simplify one of the most fundamental tasks of the company—bank reconciliation. It enables small business owners to access their bank statements directly from the accounting solutions, along with comparing bank statements, balancing debits and credits, and identifying any discrepancies at the end of each financial period. The Final Thought Maintaining correct financial records at all times is essential for the success of small businesses and start-ups. For maintaining proper accounts, these businesses need a system that overcomes the drawbacks of traditional accounting tools such as spreadsheets. With the introduction of novel accounting software integrated with artificial intelligence, big data, and other technologies, these financial management solutions are paving the way for small businesses.

Read More
SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE

Small Business Financial Management: One-Stop Solution for Financial Hurdles

Article | September 23, 2022

Introduction Managing finances is crucial for organizations, especially small businesses, to create a stable financial future in which the business is less likely to fail. Small businesses and start-up companies have to face numerous challenges and even bear losses at their introductory stage due to the difficulties in maintaining proper cash flow. According to a study, around 61% of small business owners say that they face challenges in handling consistent and steady cash flow. Many start-ups undertake operational business activities after obtaining loans from different financial institutions due to insufficient cash flow and capital. Hence, to keep small business operations running smoothly, they need to optimize the inflow and outflow of cash and financial management. Small business financial management assists these start-up companies in reducing financial costs, facilitating the availability of investment, and planning, organizing, directing, and controlling financial activities. With competition intensifying in the sector, the need for financial management is becoming even more critical for small businesses. Why Are Financial Management Solutions Becoming Imperative for Small Businesses? Running a small business is not an easy task. Even if you have a great idea and a large number of people longing for your product or service, the financial difficulties of operating a small business can quickly escalate and hamper the business. A plethora of expected and unexpected issues, such as overhead costs, rising interest or inflation rates, impending tax deadlines, remediating damage from a natural disaster, and many more, can create insurmountable obstacles for small business owners. Whether it is insufficient cash flow or a lack of accurate monthly reconciliation reports, many small business finance-related issues can be avoided with the proper management of finance and reporting. What are the other small business money management challenges that financial management solutions can assist to overcome? Let's see: Poor cash flow management Managing a budget Planning future expenses Controlling debt Inconsistent cash flow Tips for Effective Small Business Financial Management Small businesses today are highly fragile due to excessive competition in the industry. Hence, start-ups and new companies have to invest a significant amount of money in order to keep their business fully functional and running. Right from accumulating funds to allocating and spending them, it is crucial for small business owners to have a transparent view of their financial position and business undertakings to engage in planning for efficient utilization of available resources. Effective financial management not only assists in managing small businesses' finance and rotating the cash invested in the business, but it also assists in analyzing revenue generation, formulating suitable financial strategies, and calculating adequate returns, among others. It is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of businesses, irrespective of their size. With an increasing need for managing huge funds, continuous transactions, daily cash flow, payrolls, and others, it is becoming even more critical for small businesses and start-ups to manage their finances effectively. Here are some of the vital tips that can help small businesses analyze and manage their finance effectively: Prioritize business financial planning Create a budget and stick to it Analyze cash flow Keep business and personal finances separate Focus on expenditures but also ROI Monitor spending Opt for a financial solution or service Final Thoughts With the fast-changing financial requirements of small businesses and the emergence of novel small business financing trends, entrepreneurs are emphasizing streamlining and managing their financial chores. To overcome a growing number of financial obstacles, leading financial solution developers are aiming at integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics in novel small business financial management solutions. This is anticipated to create a strong demand for innovative financial management tools, such as small business accounting software, across the industry in the forthcoming years.

Read More
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Spotlight

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Deep Genomics is combining world-leading expertise in machine learning and genome biology to transform medicine.

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Experian’s Sentinel™ Commercial Entity Fraud Suite helps lenders and insurers prevent fraud for businesses of all sizes

Experian | November 10, 2022

Experian , the world’s leading global information services company, today announced Sentinel™, a suite of commercial entity fraud detection solutions, to help lenders and insurers prevent fraud and protect small to large businesses. The suite has three solutions Multipoint Verification, Identity Velocity and Commercial First Party Fraud Score. An Experian research report found that more than 70% of businesses say that preventing fraud is their top concern, the highest it’s ever been. With some businesses struggling to keep up with the rapid digital transformation that’s taken place during the past few years, fraudsters are attracted by large loans and a lack of sophisticated commercial fraud detection platforms. Experian’s Sentinel suite may help businesses detect and distinguish different types of entity fraud, including first-party, third-party and synthetic identity fraud. By recognizing the specific types of fraud risk, lenders and insurers can set up the right controls to mitigate fraud and better serve businesses of all sizes. The three solutions include: Multipoint Verification is the first in-market offering to blend commercial credit data with nontraditional data, such as professional social networks, phone numbers and web domains to validate a business applicant. A global credit card issuer saw a 15% increase in fraudulent accounts identified in their small business portfolio leveraging Multipoint Verification in combination with their current fraud tools.1 Identity Velocity is the first entity fraud solution that provides trended data, as recent as 15 minutes from application, to help predict fraud risk. It uses elements, like a business’s name, zip code and tax ID, to deliver real-time insights that may help prevent third-party, synthetic identity fraud and loan stacking by highlighting inconsistencies in applicants’ information. This tool can also provide a better picture of a business’s behavior over time. Commercial First Party Fraud Score is unique in that it blends consumer and commercial credit data to predict the risk of first-party fraud for businesses. The fraud score may help identify early or first payment default and credit bust out scenarios Additionally, Commercial First Party Fraud Score and Multipoint Verification are available through CrossCore®, Experian’s market-leading digital identity and fraud platform. “We’re committed to helping small businesses succeed, and a key piece of that is ensuring they have access to the capital they need,Our new Sentinel commercial entity fraud suite can help lenders and insurers prevent fraud so that funds can go to legitimate businesses that need it and stay out of the hands of fraudsters.” Hiq Lee, president of Experian’s Business Information Services. About Experian Experian is the world’s leading global information services company. During life’s big moments – from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers – we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organizations to prevent identity fraud and crime.

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MARKETING AND NETWORKING

ERC Digital Launches to Help Small Businesses Secure Tax Refunds, Leveraging Big Four Accounting Firm Technology

ERC Digital | November 30, 2022

ERC Digital, the service empowering small businesses to receive United States government tax incentives, has launched after teaming with a Big Four accounting firm to bring industry-leading tax knowledge to the ERC process. ERC Digital is the only organization of its kind to do so, as well as collaborate with IRS technology partner Tax Status, furthering its mission to bring small businesses the same opportunities and resources as large corporations. Originally created as part of the CARES Act in 2020, the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) was part of the initiatives to encourage sustained employment and small business support. For qualified employers, the ERC provides up to $26,000 in tax credit refunds per employee. Unfortunately, many small businesses have yet to take advantage of this program due to the complexity of the filing process. The ERC Digital service simplifies the process of getting employers tax relief. Through deep expertise across key areas including how to navigate government processes, improving regulated filing efficiencies and now, the addition of partners and technology utilizations that provide deep industry knowledge, ERC Digital is helping advocate for small businesses across the country. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Now, more than ever, they deserve to get the money that is available to them and benefit from industry-leading expertise like that provided by a Big Four accounting firm, With ERC Digital, small businesses have a streamlined path to checking eligibility, preparing their ERC filings, and tracking the filing all through a transparent and efficient process." Michael Coghlan, Co-CEO of ERC Digital We believe in the importance of small businesses and making sure they have every advantage available to them to get the full refunds they deserve through the Employee Retention Credit," said Chuck Hayes, Senior Vice President at Tax Status.We're proud to contribute our expertise and insight to ERC Digital and help make claiming ERC easier and more transparent for businesses everywhere. About ERC Digital: ERC Digital is a product of Global Government Partners, a collaboration between industry experts in helping small businesses navigate government process and technology experts with deep background in simplifying regulated industry filings.

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TECHNOLOGY

Zyxel Access Point and Security Service Bundle for Small Businesses Protects and Optimizes Connectivity for WiFi Networks

Zyxel US Channel | November 29, 2022

Zyxel Networks, a leader in delivering secure, AI- and cloud-powered business and home networking solutions, today announced the bundling of its robust Connect and Protect security service with select Zyxel WiFi access points. Available as a bundled option with Zyxel’s best-selling NWA1123ACv3 802.11ac Wave 2 Dual-Radio Ceiling Mount PoE Access Point and NWA110AX 802.11ax (WiFi 6) Dual-Radio PoE Access Point, the security service protects small business WiFi networks from cybersecurity threats and optimizes WiFi connectivity for the business and its patrons to improve connectivity and customer satisfaction. Connect and Protect, which filters out any unsafe web content and prevents users from accessing dangerous websites, provides a high level of security for small businesses without the hassle of setting up complex security settings. As an added level of protection for both the business and its customers, the service ensures that users logged onto the network are unable to access the data streams of others, preventing malicious actors from spying on or stealing the information of others. Features and Benefits of Zyxel Connect & Protect: IP Reputation Filter – The cloud-based service accesses an expanding database of malicious IP addresses to block undesirable website content, and prevent data theft and security breaches. Application Visibility with Throttling – Prioritizes bandwidth for business-critical applications, such as mobile POS systems, online streaming, and voice and video calls, to protect core applications and facilitate smooth business operation. Ease-of-Management – The WiFi access points and Connect & Protect security features can be easily deployed and managed from anywhere using Zyxel’s Nebula Cloud Networking Solution. “Wireless networks not only provide the network backbone that enables many small businesses to operate, but wireless access to the internet is increasingly becoming an expectation by their customers and vendors. However, the cyber attacks enabled by unprotected networks can result in serious damage to the business and liabilities to their customers,Deploying Zyxel APs with Connect and Protect enables businesses to leverage an extensive range of security features without the complexity often associated with setting up network security.” Shawn Rogers, Market Development Manager at Zyxel Networks. Connect and Protect (CNP) is available in two licensing options: CNP and CNP+. CNP features the IP reputation filter and CNP+ adds application visibility with bandwidth throttling. CNP and CNP+ licenses are available as bundles with NWA1123ACv3 and NWA110AX access points. CNP is offered as an optional license on WAC500 and WAC500H access points, and CNP+ is offered as an optional license on NWA210AX, WAX510D, WAX610D, WAX630S, and WAX650S access points. About Zyxel: Since their first day in business over 30 years ago, Zyxel has kept business and home users online with a focus on innovation and customer-centric service. In 1989, this was accomplished with analog modems. Today, the company combines the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) and the cloud to deliver rapid, reliable, and secure networking solutions for business and home users.

Read More

TECHNOLOGY

Experian’s Sentinel™ Commercial Entity Fraud Suite helps lenders and insurers prevent fraud for businesses of all sizes

Experian | November 10, 2022

Experian , the world’s leading global information services company, today announced Sentinel™, a suite of commercial entity fraud detection solutions, to help lenders and insurers prevent fraud and protect small to large businesses. The suite has three solutions Multipoint Verification, Identity Velocity and Commercial First Party Fraud Score. An Experian research report found that more than 70% of businesses say that preventing fraud is their top concern, the highest it’s ever been. With some businesses struggling to keep up with the rapid digital transformation that’s taken place during the past few years, fraudsters are attracted by large loans and a lack of sophisticated commercial fraud detection platforms. Experian’s Sentinel suite may help businesses detect and distinguish different types of entity fraud, including first-party, third-party and synthetic identity fraud. By recognizing the specific types of fraud risk, lenders and insurers can set up the right controls to mitigate fraud and better serve businesses of all sizes. The three solutions include: Multipoint Verification is the first in-market offering to blend commercial credit data with nontraditional data, such as professional social networks, phone numbers and web domains to validate a business applicant. A global credit card issuer saw a 15% increase in fraudulent accounts identified in their small business portfolio leveraging Multipoint Verification in combination with their current fraud tools.1 Identity Velocity is the first entity fraud solution that provides trended data, as recent as 15 minutes from application, to help predict fraud risk. It uses elements, like a business’s name, zip code and tax ID, to deliver real-time insights that may help prevent third-party, synthetic identity fraud and loan stacking by highlighting inconsistencies in applicants’ information. This tool can also provide a better picture of a business’s behavior over time. Commercial First Party Fraud Score is unique in that it blends consumer and commercial credit data to predict the risk of first-party fraud for businesses. The fraud score may help identify early or first payment default and credit bust out scenarios Additionally, Commercial First Party Fraud Score and Multipoint Verification are available through CrossCore®, Experian’s market-leading digital identity and fraud platform. “We’re committed to helping small businesses succeed, and a key piece of that is ensuring they have access to the capital they need,Our new Sentinel commercial entity fraud suite can help lenders and insurers prevent fraud so that funds can go to legitimate businesses that need it and stay out of the hands of fraudsters.” Hiq Lee, president of Experian’s Business Information Services. About Experian Experian is the world’s leading global information services company. During life’s big moments – from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers – we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organizations to prevent identity fraud and crime.

Read More

MARKETING AND NETWORKING

ERC Digital Launches to Help Small Businesses Secure Tax Refunds, Leveraging Big Four Accounting Firm Technology

ERC Digital | November 30, 2022

ERC Digital, the service empowering small businesses to receive United States government tax incentives, has launched after teaming with a Big Four accounting firm to bring industry-leading tax knowledge to the ERC process. ERC Digital is the only organization of its kind to do so, as well as collaborate with IRS technology partner Tax Status, furthering its mission to bring small businesses the same opportunities and resources as large corporations. Originally created as part of the CARES Act in 2020, the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) was part of the initiatives to encourage sustained employment and small business support. For qualified employers, the ERC provides up to $26,000 in tax credit refunds per employee. Unfortunately, many small businesses have yet to take advantage of this program due to the complexity of the filing process. The ERC Digital service simplifies the process of getting employers tax relief. Through deep expertise across key areas including how to navigate government processes, improving regulated filing efficiencies and now, the addition of partners and technology utilizations that provide deep industry knowledge, ERC Digital is helping advocate for small businesses across the country. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Now, more than ever, they deserve to get the money that is available to them and benefit from industry-leading expertise like that provided by a Big Four accounting firm, With ERC Digital, small businesses have a streamlined path to checking eligibility, preparing their ERC filings, and tracking the filing all through a transparent and efficient process." Michael Coghlan, Co-CEO of ERC Digital We believe in the importance of small businesses and making sure they have every advantage available to them to get the full refunds they deserve through the Employee Retention Credit," said Chuck Hayes, Senior Vice President at Tax Status.We're proud to contribute our expertise and insight to ERC Digital and help make claiming ERC easier and more transparent for businesses everywhere. About ERC Digital: ERC Digital is a product of Global Government Partners, a collaboration between industry experts in helping small businesses navigate government process and technology experts with deep background in simplifying regulated industry filings.

Read More

TECHNOLOGY

Zyxel Access Point and Security Service Bundle for Small Businesses Protects and Optimizes Connectivity for WiFi Networks

Zyxel US Channel | November 29, 2022

Zyxel Networks, a leader in delivering secure, AI- and cloud-powered business and home networking solutions, today announced the bundling of its robust Connect and Protect security service with select Zyxel WiFi access points. Available as a bundled option with Zyxel’s best-selling NWA1123ACv3 802.11ac Wave 2 Dual-Radio Ceiling Mount PoE Access Point and NWA110AX 802.11ax (WiFi 6) Dual-Radio PoE Access Point, the security service protects small business WiFi networks from cybersecurity threats and optimizes WiFi connectivity for the business and its patrons to improve connectivity and customer satisfaction. Connect and Protect, which filters out any unsafe web content and prevents users from accessing dangerous websites, provides a high level of security for small businesses without the hassle of setting up complex security settings. As an added level of protection for both the business and its customers, the service ensures that users logged onto the network are unable to access the data streams of others, preventing malicious actors from spying on or stealing the information of others. Features and Benefits of Zyxel Connect & Protect: IP Reputation Filter – The cloud-based service accesses an expanding database of malicious IP addresses to block undesirable website content, and prevent data theft and security breaches. Application Visibility with Throttling – Prioritizes bandwidth for business-critical applications, such as mobile POS systems, online streaming, and voice and video calls, to protect core applications and facilitate smooth business operation. Ease-of-Management – The WiFi access points and Connect & Protect security features can be easily deployed and managed from anywhere using Zyxel’s Nebula Cloud Networking Solution. “Wireless networks not only provide the network backbone that enables many small businesses to operate, but wireless access to the internet is increasingly becoming an expectation by their customers and vendors. However, the cyber attacks enabled by unprotected networks can result in serious damage to the business and liabilities to their customers,Deploying Zyxel APs with Connect and Protect enables businesses to leverage an extensive range of security features without the complexity often associated with setting up network security.” Shawn Rogers, Market Development Manager at Zyxel Networks. Connect and Protect (CNP) is available in two licensing options: CNP and CNP+. CNP features the IP reputation filter and CNP+ adds application visibility with bandwidth throttling. CNP and CNP+ licenses are available as bundles with NWA1123ACv3 and NWA110AX access points. CNP is offered as an optional license on WAC500 and WAC500H access points, and CNP+ is offered as an optional license on NWA210AX, WAX510D, WAX610D, WAX630S, and WAX650S access points. About Zyxel: Since their first day in business over 30 years ago, Zyxel has kept business and home users online with a focus on innovation and customer-centric service. In 1989, this was accomplished with analog modems. Today, the company combines the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) and the cloud to deliver rapid, reliable, and secure networking solutions for business and home users.

Read More

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