Jaswinder Singh
The internet has drastically transformed the world that we live in. It is growing stronger and assuming increasing significance as each day passes. It permits people to communicate with each other easily. The growth of Wi-Fi systems has helped people worldwide to connect to the internet and exchange data within a network. While this is a fantastic development, it also brings along the risks associated with a cybersecurity attack by exposing individual internet users, businesses, and their respective data to hackers.
Cybersecurity threats are not merely a problem faced by giant corporations and governments worldwide. Small and medium enterprises, too, can be a target. While large corporations invest a substantial amount of money and resources in preventing such attacks, small firms simply do not have the infrastructure. Moreover, if small firms outsource these functions to a third-party cybersecuritybusiness they are more likely to become sitting ducks for cyber attacks.
Cybersecurity Importance
With data theft and hacking becoming even more prevalent in today's world, businesses need to devise ways to prevent such attacks. Luckily though, there are steps that companies can take to ensure they do not fall victim to such data breaches.
Here is a list of cybersecurity tips to help businesses prevent themselves from becoming victims of these cyber-attacks.
Think Before Posting Online
What you post or speak online about yourself and others could sometimes get you into a bit of trouble. For example, if you are on vacation away from home and post about the same online, it would not be such a difficult task for robbers to find your address and rob you. Similarly, if you speak negatively about others without any proof, disclose their personal information without their consent, or break binding contracts and agreements, it can lead you into trouble with law authorities.
Ensure You Protect Data Critical To Your Business
Protecting your business data online involves three crucial steps:
Identify data that is public information. Data that is available for the public to view does not need to be guarded closely.
Identify data that, although important, will not impact your business much even if hacked. Even though such data needs to secured,ensure you do not spend too many resources on it..
Identify data that is crucialto your business's functioning and may lead to significant losses if stolen. You must closely guard this data by not sharing it with people not concerned and ensuring there are enough security measures in place.
Use Multiple Methods For Authentication
The authentication process helps confirm a user, device, or machine's identity by comparing the credentials provided against an existing database before allowing access. A simple example of such a process is the username and password you use to log into your email account. However, passwords are more likely to get hacked. As such, we recommend you use multiple factors for authentication. Elements that only you would have information about. Examples of such factors include answering a security question, smart cards, fingerprints, facial recognition, etc.
Enable HTTPS on Your Website
HTTP websites install an SSL/TLS certificate on their servers. The certificate encrypts all data, whether personal or financial, submitted by surveillance agencies or malicious parties through the website. SSL certificates help tie your web presence to your brand, letting visitors know that it is not imposters running your website. EV SSL makes this process even more prominent by displaying your company name and turning the address bar green.
Ensure All Passwords Are Strong And Not Re-used
Most hackers sell the data they hack for a decent amount. The data they hack includes financial records, passwords, and other information critical to individuals and organizations. If you use the same password for each of your accounts or re-use passwords, it would not be difficult for hackers to access all your information. On the other hand, it is much harder for hackers to crack your systems if a password is strong, contains more variety, and is one that you have not used before. In case you are worried about forgetting your password because you made it strong and complicated enough to remember yourself, you can take the help of a password manager.
Update All Software
Professional hackers are always looking for loopholes in the software that organizations use. It could be simple software like the Windows network or more extensive and more complicated programs. Software manufacturing companies are always working round the clock to create patches and updates to fix such loopholes or problems. It is in your interest to make sure you install these updates and patches as soon as they are available to avoid risking your business data.
Firewall Security
Firewalls prevent unauthorized access from an outside private network. Creating a set of rules on your firewall to monitor data coming in and going out is an excellent way to prevent your business from the risk of hackers.
Keep a Backup of Your Data
Backing up your data prevents it from the risk of loss or theft as it allows you to recover important files and data. You must ensure that you backup your data on a different server or at a different location to prevent it from getting exposed to hackers.
Train Employees on the Use of Passwords
Ensure that you have proper training procedures in place for employees relating to the use of passwords. The training should familiarize employees with the risks posed by cyberattacks and the importance of cybersecurity. It should primarily ensure:
Employees do not write passwords down as they are more likely to be stolen that way.
Employees do not share passwords with their friends or colleagues or over any online communication unless encrypted.
Insider Threat Analysis
Insider threat analysis is nothing but identifying and uncovering your IT infrastructure's exposure to threats originating from inside your organization. It could be a risk posed by an employee, former employees, vendors, contractors, associates, or any other third-party.
Conclusion
Large organizations and small and medium enterprises are high-value targets for hackers, especially if your business is highly successful. The risk of a cyber attack can originate from both within the organization and outside. So, always be prepared to face such situations. Following the simple steps mentioned above can go a long way in ensuring the safety and security of your business data.
References
https://www.coxblue.com/5-expert-cyber-security-tips-for-your-small-to-medium-size-business-smb/https://www.globalsign.com/en/blog/cybersecurity-tips-for-business