Over 40% of cyber assaults recorded in 2021 were directed at small businesses. Criminals attempted to take advantage of their digital vulnerabilities to steal critical information and shut down their websites. Tony Neate, CEO of getting Safe Online, shares his top suggestions for organizations to defend themselves against cyber dangers.
The internet is becoming one of the most important locations to do business, providing a plethora of options and benefits, particularly for small enterprises. Indeed, the capacity to securely email, save data, work and transact remotely, and administer a website is critical to day-to-day operations, success, and growth. However, there is a significant amount of danger associated with this.
Tips To Protect Your Business
Just because you own a small business does not imply you are immune to cyber threats. In reality, small and medium-sized firms account for 81% of all cybersecurity breaches. Businesses in the SME market are frequently unprepared for a cyber assault, making them extremely susceptible.
So, how can you keep your company safe from cyberattacks at all times? In this post, we offer guidance on the measures you can take right now to safeguard your company against cyber assault. We’ve also developed an infographic for you to view. Below are a few ways to Protect Your Company From Cyber Attacks.
- Software Up-To-Date
All software used by your firm and its personnel should be updated to the most recent version. Hackers may use flaws in old software to penetrate your corporate networks and steal important data, conduct a cyber assault, and inflict enormous harm to your business and reputation. At least twice a week, check all key software for updates or new security patches. Then, ensure that all devices have the latest security patches and upgrades.
- Identification and Prevention
Once the plan is in place, the processes for preventing, detecting, and responding to security risks must be implemented. This includes installing anti-virus software on all systems as well as keeping your software and web browsers up to date. Consider blocking access to unsuitable websites to reduce the chance of malware exposure, and develop a strategy that governs when and how security updates should be implemented. You may also secure your networks, particularly wireless networks, against external threats by using firewalls, proxies, and access lists, for example. When working from home or on the go, make sure important data is secured when stored or sent online, so that only authorized individuals may access it.
- Firewall and Antiviruses
A firewall is a digital shield that prevents dangerous software or traffic from entering your network. There are many different types of firewalls, but they are divided into two categories: hardware and software.
Some firewalls are also capable of virus scanning. If yours does not, be sure to install antivirus software that detects your computer for malware that has gotten past your firewall. It can assist you in more efficiently controlling a data breach by alerting you to an issue rather than you having to seek out the problem after something goes wrong.
- Staff Training
When it comes to cybersecurity, a classic adage remains true: “you are only as secure as your least knowledgeable employee.” What if an unknowing person in your organization uses weak passwords or falls victim to a phishing attack, resulting in a compromised system?
This is why it’s vital to educate your employees on how fraudsters might deceive them into disclosing sensitive, private information. They should be able to quickly recognize a questionable phone call or email. Teach them how to protect the organization from such attacks. An excellent place to start is with solid cybersecurity best practices rules.
- Data Encryption and Data Backup
Data encryption is still one of the most effective methods of protecting against data intrusions. Data backup and encryption are highly valued in an efficient cybersecurity plan. If your company’s sensitive data slips into the wrong hands, you have nothing to lose. Make sure that sensitive data, such as private customer information, employee information, and other sorts of sensitive corporate data, is encrypted first and then backed up.
- Limiting Access
Limiting access to your company’s sensitive data decreases the possibility of human mistakes, which is the number one information security issue. Employees should only have access to the systems and information required to do their duties.
If an employee quits your organization or transfers to another location, take quick precautionary measures, such as erasing passwords and accounts from all systems and collecting corporate ID badges and entrance keys. When it comes to reducing the impact of a dissatisfied ex-employee, an ounce of access prevention can equal a pound of protection.
- Strong Passwords
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides password best practices advice to federal institutions. According to NIST’s Digital Identity Guidelines, passwords should be at least eight characters long, with the length being more important than difficulty. Allow your staff to generate lengthy, unique, and easy-to-remember passwords.
If you work with extremely sensitive data, you might consider requiring multifactor authentication, which requires users to provide at least two identifying factors, such as a password and a code, before getting access to systems or applications. Consider it similar to an ATM, which requires a bank card and a PIN to access cash.
- Cybersecurity Policies and Practices
Establish processes and policies to defend your firm against cyber threats, as well as guidelines for resolving issues that emerge. Make it a point to spell out how problems will be handled and the repercussions if an employee breaches the policies. Control physical access to corporate equipment and appropriately dispose of them. Prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing workplace computers and portable devices. Laptops and smartphones are popular targets for cyber thieves because they are easily forgotten or stolen. Reset gadgets that are being discarded to their factory settings. Never discard a cellphone or laptop without first completing this procedure. Failure to do so may result in sensitive firm information falling into the hands of a cyber-criminal.
Keeping your firm safe and secure from cyber attacks necessitates considerable effort and the implementation of a reliable cybersecurity policy. You may successfully handle these difficulties by combining best practices and professional help.
Sun IT Solutions is a managed IT services company that provides a variety of cybersecurity services such as vulnerability assessments, network security monitoring, and incident response. We can assist you in identifying and mitigating risks to your organization, allowing you to focus on expanding it. To learn more about our services, please contact us immediately.
Sun IT Solutions is a Toronto-based one-stop technology store that provides managed IT services. Sun IT Solutions Inc. thinks that there is no point in pursuing employment unless you are committed to excellence. With this in mind, we treat your business as if it were our own. To produce tangible results, we evaluate the big picture while paying close attention to detail. Contact us right away to acquire the best IT services.
