There are many methods to prevent cyber attacks in your business. If you want to take that next step in keeping your business safe or if you want to try and make sure that you are not putting your clients at risk, then this is the guide for you.
Educate Your Employees
The first rank of protection against cyberthreats is your employees. Educate your team on the methods of avoiding phishing and other scams that could accidentally be downloaded if not properly identified. They are the number one users of your business internet and devices, so with the right education, they will help protect your business.
Strong Password Policies
Secure passwords really are the key to you keeping all of your information safe. Multi-factor authentication is highly recommended if you want to have the best protection possible, but in general, it’s recommended that you use longer passwords with capitals, characters, letters, and numbers, and to vary the password frequently between sites.
Use a VPN
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network which is extended across a public network that protects your location. A VPN gives you access to your business using encryption to send the data from one computer to another in order to protect your data.
Update Your Software
Hackers can easily exploit any software that is not updated (especially when you hit “later” when it pops up a reminder for an update). It’s vital that you try and do everything you can to keep any software that you download, updated every single time a new one is released. If you don’t then hackers can exploit any potential weaknesses in the software, and this can work against you far more than you realize. Sure, updating software might not be high on your priority list, but it should be when it comes to your business security.
Backup Your Data
Data should be backed up and stored on the cloud if possible. If not, you may find that you end up opening yourself up to even more threats down the line, and this can make it even more difficult to protect yourself. The great thing about the cloud is that it gives you an extra level of defense as well.
Update Your Devices
Newer devices have updated systems for better protection, so while those are best to have, if you own a business you can take advantage of new devices as your business grows and keep the older devices updated. If your team uses their personal devices at work, make sure they have at least the minimal security measures to protect your business information as they access it on their personal devices.
Invest in a Managed Service Provider
Lastly, it helps to invest in an IT services company such as a Managed IT Service Provider. When you do, you can count on them to provide you with a full security team, so you have less to worry about. By simplifying your operation, you can then begin to capitalize on the benefits more than ever before.
