In this digital age where everything is connected and online, it’s more important than ever for companies to be aware of cyber security. Basic skills are the key to not getting hacked.
Cyber crime is an epidemic, as seen in the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack. When victims failed to update their Windows system, the result was disastrous.
If global awareness for cyber security was at an all-time high and every organization in the world was following best practices for cybersecurity, there would be far fewer instances of hacking and far less damage caused by them.
Cyber security best practices are being highlighted in this blog. These best practices are necessary to keep businesses safe from cybercrime as well as protecting the data of their customers, clients and partners. The list below is by no means exhaustive; it’s only a few examples of how one can take preventative measures against cyber-attacks.
1. Review Encryption Software: The sooner you install a firewall on your networked devices, the better off you’ll be when working in cyberspace. If you’re not able to install a firewall on all devices yourself then consider hiring someone who can – because this task is vital in keeping you safe from hackers. If you haven’t been reviewing your current encryption software, now is the time to do so. With the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals and increasing number of people seeking financial gain through theft of personal information, it’s more important than ever before to stay one step ahead by making sure you have updated software in place.
2. Review Vendor Security: Data in transit is always at risk. Your company can be as secure as you want it to be, but without the same level of security from those receiving and handling your data, it remains at risk.
3. Invest in the IT Team: As a company, your IT team is your first line of both defence and offence. The people who make up your IT team need to be trained and updated with the latest information on what to look out for in terms of cyber-attacks and potential issues. Having meetings with your IT team, understanding their concerns, and investing in the best possible resources for them are all great ideas if you want to ensure that you have a good cybersecurity posture. Cybersecurity has become one of the most pressing issues in today’s world – there were more than 70 major data breaches reported by various organisations worldwide last year.
4. Understand your Backups: Check and understand how you backup your data on a regular basis. Backing up your data is an important operation, crucial to business functioning; but it is also one of the key components of a . If your backup technologies are secure and your backup processes are foolproof, that’s half the battle won against ransomware attackers as they won’t be able to block your access to your own data.
5. Review Authentication Processes: Cybersecurity is essential to maintaining a healthy business. There should always be records of the way that authentication occurs and who has what access within a business. Privileged access users should be monitored and trained more thoroughly so they can’t get into any mischief on their own time.
6. Continue emphasising on strong passwords: To avoid infiltration and data theft, make sure you emphasise the importance of strong passwords to your staff. One leaked password is often all it takes for cyber criminals to unleash large-scale attacks on big companies. Make it mandatory for everyone to use two-factor authentication before logging in, adding another vital layer of security to your company’s defences.
7. Staff Training:
Cybersecurity is a very important issue for all business, but especially for small businesses who may not have the same financial resources as larger companies. Cyberattacks can have significant impacts on companies, from loss of data and productivity to financial harm. The best way to mitigate the risk from cyberattacks is through training.
Every employee should be aware of their role and responsibilities when it comes to cybersecurity. Employees should also know about common phishing tactics like malicious links or suspicious email which could result in identity theft or ransomware attack.
Bottom Line
All of the above steps should be a part of regular cybersecurity hygiene practices, along with many other critical aspects that need to be looked into on a regular basis. It is imperative to create a culture of security within the company so people actually care about keeping the company’s data safe and secure and they understand the role they have to play in this mission.