7 Ways You Can Increase Company Cyber Security
The transition of a business from the physical to the digital world has been a huge boon for efficiency and growth. However, it has also left companies more vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
A study by IBM found that the average cost of a data breach is now $3.86 million. Sixty percent of small businesses in the United States have experienced a cyber attack, and 70% went out of business within six months of the attack.
As the number of cyber-attacks increases, so does the need for stronger cybersecurity measures. While there are many things your business can do to improve its cybersecurity, here are seven of the most important.
1. Install Security Software and Keep it Up to Date
Installing security software is one of the most important things you can do to protect your company from cyber-attacks.
Such programs help keep your system updated with the latest security patches, which is important because hackers always find new ways to exploit vulnerabilities. The standby software by Dbvisit is a good option, as it provides comprehensive protection against malware, viruses, and other threats.
Therefore, make sure you keep your security software up to date. Additionally, be sure to install any security patches that are released for your software.
These patches address vulnerabilities that have been discovered in the software and can leave your company vulnerable to attack if not installed.
2. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
Passwords are the first defense against cyber attacks, yet they are often weak and easily guessed. To create strong passwords, you need to use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols and ensure they are at least eight characters long.
You should also never use the same password for multiple accounts. Consider using a password manager to help you keep track of your passwords and generate strong ones.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional layer of security that can help protect your data from cyber-attacks. With 2FA, you need two pieces of information to log in – typically a password and a code sent to your phone or email.
This makes it much more difficult for hackers to gain access to your accounts, as they would need both your password and access to your phone or email. You can enable 2FA on many websites and services, including Google, Facebook, Twitter, and Dropbox.
3. Train Employees on Cybersecurity Best Practices
One of the most important things you can do to improve your company’s cybersecurity is to educate your employees on best practices.
Your employees are the first line of defense against cyber attacks, and they need to know how to identify threats and what to do if they suspect their account has been compromised.
Ensure your employees know never to click on links or attachments from unknown senders, even if the email looks legitimate.
They should also know not to reuse passwords and use two-factor authentication whenever possible. Additionally, teach them about phishing attacks and how to spot them.
According to safetytalkideas.com Data protection in the workplace is difficult but can be taught and trained to employees.
4. Back-Up Data Regularly
Backing up your data is one of the most important things you can do to protect it from cyber-attacks. If your data is backed up, it can be recovered if it is compromised or lost.
There are many ways to backup your data, but the best method depends on your specific needs and preferences.
One popular method of backing up data is using an online backup service. These services store your data in a remote location and allow you to access it anywhere.
This is a good option if you need to back up a large amount of data or if you need access to your data from multiple devices.
Another option is to back up your data to a USB or external hard drive. This is a good option if you want to keep a physical copy of your data. You can also use this method to back up data that doesn’t fit well into the cloud.
5. Use a VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) is a tool that can help improve your company’s cybersecurity.
VPNs encrypt your website data and route your traffic through a secure tunnel, making it much more difficult for hackers to intercept your data.
This is especially important if you use public Wi-Fi networks, as these are often targets for hackers.
Additionally, using a VPN can help you avoid geo-restrictions and censorship. This is because your traffic is routed through a server in another location, making it appear that you are accessing the internet from that location. When choosing a VPN, ensure it’s compatible with all your devices.
6. Secure Your Wireless Network
If your company has a wireless network, it’s important to take steps to secure it. Hackers can easily intercept data transmitted over an unsecured wireless network, so it’s important to ensure your network is properly secured.
The first step is to choose a strong password for your network. Avoid using easily guessed words or personal information in your password. Combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols is also a good idea.
You should also enable encryption on your network. This will help protect your data as it is transmitted over the air.
The two most popular types of encryption are WPA2 and WEP. WPA2 is the more secure option, so it’s recommended that you use this if possible.
If you have an older router, you may be unable to use WPA2 encryption. In this case, you can use WEP encryption, but it’s important to note that this is less secure than WPA2.
7. Monitor Your System for Suspicious Activity
Even if you take all the necessary precautions, it’s still possible for hackers to gain access to your system. This is why it’s important to monitor your system for suspicious activity.
This is where having an IT service provider you can rely on, comes in very helpful. They can handle the many different signs that indicate your system has been compromised.
These include unexpected changes to files or settings, new programs you didn’t install, and increased network activity. If you notice these things, it’s important to take action immediately.
You should also periodically check your system logs for any unusual activity. Your system logs can provide valuable information about what’s going on with your system.
Your Turn
Following these tips can help make your company more secure against cyber threats. Cybersecurity is an ongoing process, so be sure to review your practices and make updates as needed regularly.
Plus, it’s important to remember that no system is 100% secure, so always be vigilant and stay up-to-date on the latest security threats.
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