Middle Tenn. — As October marks National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, United Communications is encouraging Middle Tennesseans—especially small business owners—to take proactive steps to stay safe online and build strong digital habits.

As a locally based internet provider, United Communications understands the vital role small businesses play in the regional economy. However, these same small businesses are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals who exploit limited IT resources and smaller security budgets.

In the third installment of its National Cybersecurity Awareness Month series, United Communications shared three essential practices every small business should prioritize to strengthen online defenses: endpoint protection, employee training, and data backup and recovery.

1. Endpoint Protection: Guarding Every Device
Every device connected to a business network—whether a laptop, smartphone, or point-of-sale system—can serve as an entry point for hackers. United Communications advises small business owners to secure each endpoint using up-to-date antivirus or antimalware software, strong passwords, and timely system updates. For businesses with remote employees, endpoint monitoring tools can further reduce risk.

2. Employee Training: Your First Line of Defense
United Communications notes that technology is only as effective as the people who use it. Educating employees about phishing scams, password safety, and proper Wi-Fi use can dramatically lower the risk of breaches. Regular training sessions, open reporting policies, and free resources from organizations such as the National Cybersecurity Alliance can help establish a culture of cybersecurity awareness.

3. Data Backup and Recovery: Planning for the Unexpected
Even with preventive measures, cyberattacks and data loss can still occur. United Communications stresses the importance of regular backups—either automated through cloud services or securely stored off-site—and testing recovery procedures frequently. Business owners are encouraged to visit CISA.gov for free tools and guidance on protecting digital assets.

How United BizControl Helps Small Businesses
United Communications offers United BizControl, a smart network solution designed to help small business owners enhance cybersecurity without the need for a full IT staff. BizControl provides tools to:

• Create partitioned networks for operations, employees, and guests.

• Offer free public Wi-Fi safely while isolating sensitive business data.

• Boost network resilience by monitoring performance and ensuring uptime.

• Add advanced firewall protection against external threats.

"By protecting devices, training employees, backing up critical data, and using tools like United BizControl, you can give your business the resilience it needs to thrive in today’s digital economy,” a United Communications spokesperson said. Tools help to give business owners the confidence and protection they need to thrive in today’s digital economy.

For more information or to check fiber internet availability in your area, visit United Communications online to learn how their services help businesses stay connected and secure. see if United’s fiber internet is available in your area or to learn more about how we can help keep your small business safe online.