Along with the steady progress of technology, there seems to be ongoing development of shady internet activity such as phishing attacks and email scams. Businesses are targeted increasingly, but thankfully, there are several ways companies can defend against cyber hazards. Here is key advice for keeping your business safe and secure from online scoundrels.
Be Alert to Phishing
They say knowledge is power, and there is much to be gained from educating your employees about phishing so they can see it for what it is. Once your workers know to be cognizant of signs someone is chasing information, they can steer clear of falling into traps. For instance, Digital Guardian explains that some common phishing tactics include links which redirect users and then request sensitive data, unusual email attachments, and emails directly requesting information which shouldn’t be released. One way to help your employees learn about phishing is with simulator training. By engaging with staged phishing scenarios first hand, they will be prepared when a real one comes their way.
Password Protection
Developing and enforcing a strong, company-wide password policy is a smart strategy against cyber scammers. All too often, there are employees who select a single, easy-to-remember password, such as a pet’s name or someone’s phone number, and they use it for every account they open and keep it indefinitely. Ensure your workers develop strong, complex passwords that change at least every six months, and require those passwords to be unique. There are password generator tools to help you and your employees with the process.
Establish Solid Walls
To protect your business from cyber scoundrels, it’s in your best interest to establish appropriate firewall protection. A firewall is basically a sentinel that continually monitors, analyzes, and filters what’s passing through your system, keeping vicious malware and viruses at bay. Chron.com explains that there are four basic types of firewalls to consider, each designed to function at a different place in your computer. For optimal results, use a firewall for protection in conjunction with software designed to detect and remove malware, and keep your systems up-to-date.
Embrace the Cloud
Is your company using the cloud for data storage? While it may feel like having information stored under your personal wings is the safest thing to do, some experts feel in-house data storage is more vulnerable than cloud-based storage solutions. There are several options when it comes to cloud storage, and you should evaluate your company’s specific needs and goals. For instance, some offer superior security, some have substantial storage capacities, some better facilitate collaborative projects, and some are more accessible than others. Think through what will be most advantageous for your needs now and in the foreseeable future.
What If My Business Was Hacked?
More and more, in spite of good efforts, businesses are being attacked and falling victim to cybercriminals. If your business experiences a data breach, Fortune notes that you will need to notify your clientele immediately of the issue. Let every client know in writing what happened, what information was stolen, as well as how you are responding to the situation. Depending on your location, you might need to notify your state attorney general’s office as well.
Think About Hiring Help
If your company was hacked, consider hiring cybersecurity experts to identify the weaknesses in your system, retrieve data, and resolve issues. Not only will this help you avoid a repeat of the incident, but it also helps encourage customer confidence in your business. On top of that, time is money, and the longer your system is down, the more business you lose. Professional security experts can potentially help restore your network and get you back to work quickly.
As technology improves, it seems like criminals are getting craftier. Protect your business from being attacked via phishing, email scams, and the like. A handful of smart strategies can keep your company safe and secure.