In order to stay one step ahead of the competition (and the cybercriminals of the world), you need to be sure that your company’s cybersecurity is at an optimum level.
Cybersecurity is the protection of data and information systems from cybercrime, theft, or damage to ensure the reliable operation of critical infrastructures such as power grids, transportation networks, and drinking water systems.
It’s not enough just to think about it after a computer system has been breached, so read on for more information on how businesses can proactively protect themselves against cybercrime.
Table of Contents
Passwords: The Basics
One of the most common ways to get into an account is through a password. While it’s understandable to want a word that’s easy to remember, especially for a busy person on the go, there are so many risks associated with using a simple password that it’s often best to avoid this as your only option and instead consider a WatchGuard AuthPoint solution instead.
If your business has done an audit on its passwords and found that many of them do not follow industry standards, such as using special characters and being at least 12 characters in length, now’s the time to update them.
Data Encryption
Employee data is highly sensitive, and users need to be aware of their responsibilities regarding access. Data encryption should be mandatory when users are issued laptops or mobile devices to ensure that private and personal information is protected if it falls into the wrong hands.
That’s why data encryption is necessary to ensure the security of the business. It can be done by encrypting laptops, mobile devices, and network drives.
Firewalls Are A Must
A firewall guards your company’s computer system or network by protecting unauthorized incoming or outgoing access. However, many employees do not understand how this works and may accidentally open a port that can be used for cyberattacks.
Setting up firewalls is straightforward if you have the right training and are provided with an efficient software tool, as this will make it easy for you to determine who has access to each port at all times.
Backups Should Be Regularly Scheduled
It’s important to ensure that backups happen regularly. This enables you to recover quickly should an issue occur with a network or storage device.
There are many ways to conduct this, such as using cloud storage solutions for your data which can be accessed from any device, or sending your backups offsite in the event of a catastrophe or theft. You may also consider using an online backup company with 24/7 monitoring and onsite staff.
Carry Out Monthly Checkson Software Patches
Cyberattacks have become so sophisticated that they take advantage of any exposed vulnerabilities in software, so it’s important to check for updates and patches every month. This will ensure that your system is protected against the latest cyber threats.
An effective patch management systemwill make it easy for you to keep track of updates and ensure they are installed correctly.
