Simple Steps To Prevent Cyberattacks In Your Company

We should all take the threat of cyber attacks seriously, both at home and in our businesses. Cybercrime is expected to have a global impact of around $10 trillion by next year. The most common type of cyber threat is a phishing attack, which can be difficult to defend against because it requires the cooperation of all stakeholders. Other common forms of attack include the installation of malware, spyware, and ransomware, while physical breaches, and internal breaches, also pose a hazard.

While it is very difficult to protect against all possible breaches, there are steps companies can take to help shore up their cyber defenses.

Install Security Software

Good antivirus software can protect against the most common vectors for cyber attacks including the installation of malware and the downloading of ransomware. Businesses specifically need server-based software that protects all computers and devices connected to that server. According to technology writer Ilijia Milijkovac, some of the most common points of entry for attacks are via cloud servers as well as remote access servers.

Install A Firewall

A firewall offers a high level of protection because it effectively prevents all outside traffic from being able to access your network or gain access to your intranet. Ports can be opened to allow permitted entry to the system, but a firewall leaves access restrictions to the network administrator, effectively putting up a wall between an organization and the outside world.

Update Your Software And Systems

Outdated system software can be slow and unresponsive, which is why software manufacturers release patches and updates. But these updates also include fixes to known vulnerabilities. Updating the systems running on all servers, computers, and other hardware helps shore up your business’s defense against cyber attacks.

Similarly, the software running on those systems can be used as an entry point if there are points of vulnerability. Once hackers or thieves have identified a way to use a piece of software to gain access to a network, it can be exploited time and time again, and this knowledge can enable those thieves to get into other systems.

Allow software to update regularly and routinely check for any software updates. This is especially true with antimalware and other security software because updates include the latest virus definitions, which are used by the software to identify, detect, prevent, and remove any threats.

Ensure Staff Are Trained

The most common exploit used by cyber attackers is the phishing attack. Users are encouraged to click a link in an email or on a message that either installs malware or takes them to a spoof site and encourages them to enter usernames and passwords. The thief can then use those credentials to gain access to the real site or system.

This is one of the various forms of social engineering that exploits the human element of business networks, and it is very difficult to stop by using security software. All network users within the business need up-to-date and relevant training to help prevent these types of attacks.

Training can also be used to teach proper password initiatives, how to stay safe while online, and other important online security protocols to protect users and your business.

Secure Endpoints

Businesses pay a lot of attention to securing networks and the computers in the office. These devices are easy to manage because they sit on desks all day. Other endpoints like mobile phones, tablets, and laptops, are sometimes overlooked.

These devices are brought onto the premises and then connected to the network. Server-side antimalware software can help protect these devices but it needs to be updated and users still need to follow best practices and good cyber security protocols.

Backup Data

Regular backups should form a part of any cyber security plan. Whether a system is taken over by ransomware or data is lost through physical damage, having a backup can save time, money, and reputation.

Set data to backup automatically, at least every day, and use both an onsite and offsite backup method. If you only backup data to an onsite server, a fire or other physical compromise will still lead to data loss.

Protect Against Physical Attacks

Physical cyber attacks are more common than you might think. If somebody can gain access to your premises, they will be able to get on devices and access the network, giving them a quick and easy path to your data and other vital information.

Ensure physical access is restricted, especially to areas like server rooms or communication hubs. Use swipe cards, keycards, and number pads. Ensure employees know to challenge or report unauthorized access and to follow good security protocols.

Secure Your WiFi Network

Weak WiFi networks offer simple entry points to systems and devices, but they are convenient and help ensure all authorized personnel can enjoy the access they require.

Maintain good WiFi passwords, only give out passwords to authorized personnel, and monitor access to the network. Ensure any device that connects to the network is secure before it connects.

Ensure Individual User Accounts

Shared emails and even shared workstations can be convenient in some instances, but they risk cyber security. If you do have email accounts, such as customer service or website contact emails, that require access for multiple people, consider a system that forwards emails to relevant team members and ensures a paper trail for email reading and responding.

Manage Access

Similarly, not everybody should have the same access to all systems or areas of the system. Sales shouldn’t have access to accounting systems, for example, and only the IT department should have access to administrative features.

Restrict access to critical areas of the system and the most sensitive data to prevent unauthorized access. A lot of attacks can from within the organization: restricting access restricts potential threats.

Ensure Good Password Protocols

Everything from workstations to servers, intranet systems, and company website access should be password protected and every individual user given their own login credentials. This helps with accountability by creating a paper trail, enabling you to provide additional training, where required, and it can also secure sections of the system that contain or deal with the most sensitive data.

However, passwords need to be strong. They should consist of uppercase and lowercase letters as well as numbers and special characters. Ideally, they should be changed frequently, as well, and stakeholders should be made aware of good password protocols.

Put Cyber Security Protocols In Place

As well as having password protocols in place, your company should have full cyber security protocols. These should include details on web access, device connection, and how to handle incoming and outgoing data. It should incorporate email security and highlight who has what responsibilities.

Once your security policies have been written up, ensure they are distributed, and regularly checked, and that all stakeholders are given the opportunity for training in areas they don’t understand.

Conclusion

Good cyber security is critical to all businesses. This means getting all employees and other stakeholders on board, implementing solid cybersecurity protocols, creating backups, and providing regular and ongoing training. Cyber threats evolve quickly, which also means protocols, systems, and software need to be checked and updated regularly to ensure adequate protection.