Today, cybercrime is a huge threat. is a question posed by business owners. More than half of small firms experience cyberattacks. The impact can be devastating. So, protecting your company is crucial.
Key Takeaways
- Implement a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity, including securing networks, training employees, and regularly updating systems.
- Small businesses are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, with 43% of attacks targeting small businesses.1
- Phishing attacks account for 90% of data breaches, and 92% of malware is delivered via email.1
- Employee negligence is a significant factor, contributing to 40% of data breaches.1
- Keeping software and systems up-to-date is crucial, as Microsoft® will stop supporting Windows 7 in January 2020.
Secure Your Networks and Databases
To keep your business safe from cyber threats, start by securing your networks and databases. Strong network security helps keep cyber criminals from your important data. It's essential to update your security software often. This prevents malware from getting into your systems.
Implement Strong Password Policies
Your organization should have strong password policies. All staff need to use unique, hard-to-guess passwords. They should change these passwords regularly. This is crucial for security. Also, limit who has admin access. Doing so reduces the chance of downloading harmful software.
Use Firewalls and Encryption
Using multiple defenses is key to protecting networks and data. First, have firewalls to watch over your network traffic. And always use data encryption to keep private info safe. Don't forget to hide and protect your Wi-Fi access. This helps stop outsiders from entering your network.
Regularly Back Up Data
1Backup your company's data automatically every day or week, depending on how busy you are. This habit is critical. It means that even if you face a cyber attack, your important data might not be lost forever.
Educate and Train Employees
Maintaining the security of your company depends on educating your staff about cybersecurity. They defend against things like phishing and malware. So, it's important they know cybersecurity best practices.
Teach Cybersecurity Best Practices
Start by showing them why employee training matters for safety. Make sure they understand workplace rules for things like passwords and avoiding suspicious emails. This includes teaching them about spotting suspicious activities.
Identify Phishing Emails and Malware
Make your team sharp at spotting phishing and malware. They should check email addresses, avoid clicking on strange links, and question suspicious emails. Everyone should know to tell the IT team right away about any odd emails.
Report Suspicious Activities
Creating a secure culture means they should report odd stuff like attacks or unknown login attempts. Outline how to report these things. They should feel ready to help protect the company's digital info.
Establish Security Policies and Practices
Creating strong security policies helps keep your business safe from online dangers. By making clear rules and their outcomes, you keep your company's secrets safe. This includes its private information and valuable items.
Create Access Controls and Data Sharing Rules
Making strict rules for who can access information and who can share it is key. This stops anyone not allowed from getting in and stops secrets from getting out.
Also, make sure only a few people have special access to lower the chance of harmful software getting in. Keep a close eye on company tech and only let certain people handle it. This helps keep info safe, especially on devices like laptops and phones.
Develop a Data Breach Response Plan
When a data breach happens, it's vital to act fast and smart. Having a plan ready can limit the harm and speed up your bounce back. Know how to tell both customers and officials, and have steps to stop the breach's spread.
With clear security rules, control over who can see important info, and a solid plan for when things go wrong, your business is well-protected. This prepares you for cyber threats and keeps your crucial data safe and secret.
How to Protect Your Business from Cyberattacks
- Distinguish Fake Antivirus Offers
Teach your staff to spot fake antivirus messages. Tell them to notify IT at the first sign. Most cybersecurity problems come from mistakes people make. So, knowing how to avoid fake antivirus is key for your business's safety.
- Implement Email and Web Filtering
Set up email filters to stop spam and dangerous emails. Use web filters to keep employees off risky sites. These steps lower the chance of getting hit by cyberattacks through emails or sites.
- Use Network Access Control and Monitoring
With Network Access Control (NAC), you decide who gets on your network. Everyone has to prove it's them before they get in. Network Security Monitoring (NSM) keeps an eye out for weird things, like strange Internet patterns or unknown people trying to log in. These tools help you find and fix security problems fast.
- Keep Systems and Software Updated
It's very important to keep your operating system (OS) and apps updated. Doing this helps keep your network safe. Software companies send out security updates and patches often. These fix known issues and make your system run better. Not updating leaves you open to hacking. By updating regularly, you shield yourself from most online dangers.
- Apply OS and Application Security Patches
Installing security patches and updates quickly is key. Old software can have holes that hackers can use. So, keep everything up to date for your security. Updates also make everything work better and stop most attacks.
- Update Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware Software
Having the latest anti-virus and anti-malware is crucial. Regular updates keep your network safe from bugs. Real antivirus alerts are small and won’t take up your whole screen.
- Secure Multifunction Printers
Multifunction printers (MFPs) can be risky for networks. If they're not secure and checked often for problems, they might give hackers a way in. Treat them like any other network component. Use strong passwords and update their software to keep them secure.
Conclusion
Protecting your business from cyber attacks involves several steps. You need to secure your networks and databases. Also, teaching your team about cybersecurity is key.
Make sure to have clear security rules. This all helps lower the chance of a cyber disaster.
To keep safe, watch out for fake virus software. Use filters for emails and websites. Ensure your devices stay updated and protect your printers.
Though no method is 100% secure, a mix of strategies works best. This approach makes it harder for cybercriminals to harm your business. It also limits possible damage to your reputation and work.