Cybersecurity threats have been on the rise over the years. Many companies have become victims of cyberattacks, and they have undergone huge losses due to that. The use of the internet and technological advancement has been a convenience for many businesses. However, the internet brings all sorts of threats. If you have a business, you probably have a lot of data at risk, especially if it gets into the wrong hands.
So, follow the tips & protect your business from cyber attacks.
How To Protect Your Business From Cyber Attacks?
Regardless of whether you have a big or small business, it would be best to prevent data breaches from protecting your business. Failure to invest in proper security protocols puts your business data at risk, and you may even end up losing your business. There are several strategies that you can use to defend your business against cybersecurity attacks. Never think that investing in your security system is a waste of resources. TCG – Cybersecurity is one such company which ensures that your data is secured and free from cybersecurity threats at all time. Some people believe that cyberattacks only come from outside. What they fail to realize is that cyberattacks can come from an insider. Insider threats can either come from an employee, a malicious actor, or even a former employee. You never know where the attack will come from. Read on to learn how to defend your business against cybercrime.
1. Hardware Security
Many companies will spend a lot of resources to acquire the newest and most sophisticated cybersecurity software. However, they forget to pay attention to the security of the company hardware. The theft of company hardware is a significant threat that you need to curb. Which measures have you put in place to protect the company hardware? Since most of the devices will require passwords, it is crucial to develop strong passwords that cannot be easily manipulated. Aim to use complicated passwords and only share the password with the user of the device. This minimizes the chances of many people knowing the password of a particular device. Avoid writing the password down as this information could get into the wrong hands.
Also, it is good to physically attach the employees’ computers to desks instead of providing them with portable laptops, connecting the computers to a desk limits intruders from getting away with the device, which might hold very sensitive information. Another strategy to use when it comes to company hardware is to install “find my device” on all the devices, including tablets and laptops. If the device is stolen, you can easily locate where the device is.
2. Install Uninterruptible Power Supplies.
You must invest in uninterruptible power supplies at the workplace. This is because they give you time to save your data in case of a power disruption. Ensure that every computer and the networked device is plugged into a UPS and that the type and size of your UPS meet the company’s standards. Have a technician inspect the surge protectors and power supplies. Make a point of replacing each UPS and surge protector if need be.
3. Educate Your Employees
Your employees will frequently log into several sites, while at the workplace. Teaching them about cybersecurity and the potential risks will help minimize cyberattacks. Train them on the best cybersecurity practices and the steps they are supposed to take if they experience an attack. Ensure each staff is aware of the warning signs as well. Don’t just put the burden on the IT personnel. If you involve all your employees in the fight against cyberattacks, you will be surprised at how easy it will be for you to fight the attacks. Also, teach your staff on the importance of not accessing unsecured websites because this gives cybercriminals direct access to your data.
If your business has a bring-your-own-device (BYOB) policy, you need to be stricter on securing their devices. Note that if you spend a lot of resources to secure your network but the employee devices are not secure; your business is still at risk. Develop unique passwords for them to minimize any loopholes that an attacker could take advantage of.
4. Back-Up Data
An effective cybercrime protection strategy to use is encryption and back up of data. To prevent physical access to sensitive data, you should always ensure that you encrypt your data. Ensure you do this to all the sensitive data, including business data, employee information, and customer information. With the advancement in technology, at least full disk encryption software is included in modern operating systems. Be sure to confirm that the encryption software is activated at all times and on all company devices. Since cyber attackers will always take advantage of any loopholes, you need to minimize the amount of time your computer remains unused. Always set your devices to enter lock mode after a few minutes of no use.
After you have done the encryption, ensure you back up all your data to protect yourself from any security breaches. When you back up all your data and store it properly, you won’t have any problem retrieving the data, even if the hackers lock you out of your systems.
5. Dispose of Old Computers Safely
It may come a time when you will need to replace your computers. This means that you will have to dispose of old computers. It is important to wipe all your valuable information from the hard drives. Failure to delete any sensitive business information may put you at risk, especially when the data gets into the hands of the cybercriminal—research on some of the safest ways to get rid of personal data before disposing your computers.
6. Insurance
Since cybercriminals are frequently coming up with advanced ways of breaching security defenses, your business is at a higher risk now, more than ever. One of the best ways to mitigate the losses incurred from data breaches is by investing in cybersecurity insurance. By investing in cybersecurity insurance, you minimize your risk. Ensure you consult a specialist to help you select the best type of coverage for your business.
When it comes to cybersecurity, every company needs to take stern measures to protect themselves against cybercriminals. Ensure you use any of the above measures to protect your business from Cyber Attacks.