How To Protect Your Business From Cyber Attacks

 

Cybercriminals are always looking for ways to exploit users and gain access to their money, data, and businesses. To avoid yourself and your business falling victim, you need to stay ahead of the cybercrime game with an internet security plan that protects your company’s sensitive data and details from being accessed by cybercriminals. Keeping your business information safe can be challenging but it’s not impossible if you follow these simple tips:

Invest in Basic Security

Every part of a business is at risk of cybercrime. If hackers gain access to your network, they can see all of the information stored there. This includes customer information, financial data, and company secrets. If you want to protect your sensitive data, the first step is to make sure the computers that handle this information are kept secure. It’s important to have a cybersecurity plan in place to keep your data safe. Make sure basic cybersecurity measures such as installing anti-virus software and ensuring all technology is up to date will help secure your online information. Custom USBs and other types of SSD devices are great to give employees if you’re looking to protect highly sensitive information.

Install a VPN

VPN, a virtual private network, routes your internet connection through an encrypted tunnel to a remote server, which can protect you from cybercriminals who try to intercept your data while you’re browsing the web. VPNs also mask your location, which is helpful if you’re worried about being targeted by unethical employers or clients. If you work in a field with a high level of risk, like healthcare or financial services, you may want to consider using a VPN to hide your location.

Install an antivirus software

An antivirus software is a type of security software designed to detect and block threats before they can cause any damage to your computer. These programs scan your computer for viruses, malware, and other threats and if they find one, remove it for you. Antivirus software is important to have on all of your computers to protect against viruses, such as Trojans, and other threats. Take time when purchasing antivirus software, to make you get the software which is best suited for your business. It’s important to remember that antivirus software can’t protect you from all cyber threats, it’s critical to have backup security in place to protect data in case an attack does occur. Cybersecurity is an important part of protecting your data. If you don’t have an antivirus solution installed on your computer, you greatly increase your risk of cybercrime.

Use two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (also known as two-step verification) is a security measure that allows you to login to some websites and services by entering a code when logging in and something else, like a password, when signing up. This way, someone who is trying to access your account without having access to your password will be unable to do so. Google, Dropbox, and many other services support two-factor authentication. If you sign up for a new service or log into a website that asks you if you’d like to enable it, do so. It’s worth it to protect your data.

Don’t reuse passwords

If you use the same password for every account, it will be very difficult for someone to access your data if they gain access to one of your online accounts. It is best for you and your employees not to reuse passwords. Make sure your and your employees passwords are changed regularly, preferably at least every few months. You could even encourage the use of password generators to ensure that your company's cybersecurity is as strong as can be.

Knowing how to protect your businesses’ data is becoming more and more important as technology advances. It may be a good idea to invest in regular training to help your employees better understand how to protect online data, learn about the most common types of cyberattacks and how to keep themselves and their devices safe. The best cybersecurity practices are entwined within workplace culture and day-to-day operations. 

 

Remember to always have a response ready in case a service goes down or is vulnerable. An emergency plan can help your company understand what cyber security measures are in place to protect your company data, and how to prevent further damage if security is breached. This is training that will also translate into your employees’ personal lives and ensure they stay safe online both at home and in the workplace. In the case of cybersecurity you can never have too many security measures in place, especially if you are reliant on your computer systems.