Due to technological advancements, organizations are now able to improve their security measures to protect their data. However, malicious hackers are still able to breach the system by using their sophisticated tools. Therefore, you should also take proactive measures in order to reduce your cybersecurity risks in addition to implementing strict cybersecurity policies.
Keeping your data secure is essential for your organization. The loss of revenue, disruption of operations, and theft of customer information could have astronomical implications for the business. Even, data breaches can also damage your reputation, which could lead to your company’s downfall. With everything at stake, how can your organization reduce cybersecurity risk? This article will give you 10 simple but effective strategies to deal with cybersecurity challenges.
Watch Our Video: All In One Cybersecurity Program
Keep Your Software and Systems Updated
Cyber security and digital safety are highly affected by software and system updates. After identifying a flaw or vulnerability in an application, a company releases an update with patches. Therefore, regular updates will not only add new features regularly but will also resolve security vulnerabilities that might be exploited
A malicious hacker writes code that exploits a vulnerability. It is most often packaged as malware which is capable of affecting your entire system. Make sure you use a patch management system to maintain information security by automatically managing all updates.
Use Strong Passwords
It’s an interesting fact that 80% of all data breaches occur because of weak passwords. It doesn’t take much for hackers to gain access to your system. It only takes a tiny gap for them to take advantage of the opportunity.
Nowadays, simple passwords do not suffice since password cracking technology has advanced greatly. In order to discourage cybercrime in your organization, you should use complex passwords and implement multi-factor authentication. Password sharing between employees should also be discouraged so that even if one computer is hacked, the others remain safe.
When it comes to passwords, you should implement the following strategies;
- At least eight characters should be included in all passwords.
- Alphanumeric characters should be there in them.
- You should not include any personal information in them.
- It is imperative that they are unique and have not been used before.
- It shouldn’t have any words that are correctly spelled.
- Keep your passwords encrypted in a safe place.
Train employees in basic security principles
Phishing emails sent to your employees are a common method for malicious hackers to access your database. There are in fact over 3.4 billion emails comprised of phishing and malware being sent globally every year. As part of these emails, hackers hide malicious code in the form of links that are capable of obtaining user data and usernames and passwords as well.
Therefore, ensure that sensitive business information is protected by establishing security practices and communicating them to all employees regularly. Develop rules of behavior that describe how sensitive information should be handled and protected. State clearly what the penalties are for failing to follow the policies.
Put a Killswitch in Place
It is important to have a killswitch to protect yourself against large-scale attacks. Whenever your IT department detects anything suspicious, it shut down all systems until they can resolve the issue.
Cybercriminals often don’t cover their tracks unless they expect to be caught, since they are rarely expect to be caught. To ensure the integrity of your cybersecurity frameworks, your IT security teams should analyze all server logs periodically. Consider investing in tools that analyze the flow of information in your network in addition to network forensic analysis.
Malicious firewall and ransomware attacks are mostly caused by human error. Your employees might even be responsible for some of these attacks. Statistics indicate that more than 94% of organizations have been breached by insiders. Be sure to conduct a cyber-risk assessment on new employees to ensure that they won’t pose a threat to your company. Employee negligence contributes greatly to cyber risks, so you should put measures in place to discourage it.
Install Firewalls
Hackers are coming up with new ways of accessing data every day, and cyber security threats are becoming more sophisticated. This is why you should install firewalls on your network to protect it from cyber-attacks. You will be effectively protected from brute force attacks if you have a reliable security system in place.
Additionally, firewalls monitor your network traffic to detect any suspicious activity that may compromise the integrity of your data. Also, they protect your computer system from complex spyware and enhance your privacy.
Choose your firewall carefully. Choose a security system that provides you with full visibility and control over your network and application. Also, it should be equipped with streamlined security capabilities as well as protection and prevention capabilities.
Make backup copies of important business information and data
Every computer that is used in your business should be backed up regularly. Documents or data such as financial files, word processing documents, databases, electronic spreadsheets, human resources files, and accounts receivable/payable are considered critical data. If possible, back up data automatically, and at the very least once every week.
Protect computers, networks, and information from spyware, viruses, and other malicious code
Make sure all computers in your organization are running up-to-date antispyware and antivirus software. Such software can be purchased online from many vendors. Almost all software packages now offer “security service” applications as a subscription option, which provides an additional layer of security. Set up the antivirus software so that updates are downloaded when users don’t use their computers as much, like at night (midnight, for instance). After that, set the software to run a scan regularly, especially after a software update.
Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
When working from home or on the road, employees can securely access a company’s network through a VPN. Due to the fact that employees often access the internet, which is less secure than the company’s network, it is necessary to implement this measure.
Because VPNs also encrypt data, they minimize the effects of cyberattacks. Thus, they can provide an additional layer of security when employees access a wireless network at a work site, at home, in a café or restaurant, or at a public Wi-Fi hotspot.
Pay Close Attention to Physical Security
Cyber risk management policies for most organizations concentrate on digital aspects of cyber risks and completely ignore their physical premises. Make sure your critical infrastructure is protected against breaches of security by performing a security assessment. In addition, you should consider reviewing your data protection policy and make sure it includes data disposal strategies as well.
Consider the following scenario: You have an online system that is safe from cybercriminals, but someone breaks into your office and rummages through your file cabinets. That would be terrible! Other instances have been reported where janitors seize personal data from garbage and use it for their own purposes.
You should protect restricted areas by using high-quality systems if you have any. Additionally, biometrics and keycard authentication may also be used to prevent unauthorized entry into your office. Consequently, anyone who loses or steals the key card will not be able to access the site.
Secure your Wi-Fi networks
Make sure to secure and hide your Wi-Fi network if you have one at work. If you wish to conceal the name of your Wi-Fi network, configure your wireless access point or router so that the name of your network will not be broadcast, commonly known as an SSID (Service Set Identifier).
Furthermore, you should ensure that encryption is turned on and a password is required to access the system. Last but not least, it is imperative to change the administrative password, which came with the device at the time of purchase.
These are some of the precautions which you should implement to fight digital threats efficiently. Here We Brought You A Chance To Master Above Skills At One Place.
Conclusion
It is not common for business owners to pay attention to cybersecurity, software, and device-related issues because they are too busy running their businesses. Many people assume that security measures should already be built in, as they pay premium subscription fees for internet access, payment card processing, cloud storage, and business software.
In spite of regular software updates and password reset reminders, it is still important for businesses to take aggressive steps to protect both their physical and digital assets. Taking proactive measures to protect your company will ultimately benefit your organization. Your customers will feel secure and confident that their information is safe. It will be easier for them to do business as they will feel more confident.
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