Mitigating potential cyber risks at your business is a daunting and ongoing process. While this is true, protecting your team and network does not have to be too complicated.
From utilizing innovative technology like a passwordless login setup to ensuring your employees are adequately trained, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk. Keep reading for some helpful tips on how you can protect your business from cyber threats.
Limit Access to Information and Data
When you limit who has access to your data, it reduces the likelihood of human error. This is, after all, the top information security threat. You should ensure your employees only have access to the specific information and systems that are vital to their job.
If someone leaves the company, moves to another location, or is fired, it is essential to take protective action, right away. This includes deleting any passwords and accounts from all systems and collect company ID information, along with access cards or entry keys.
In this situation, taking preventative steps can prove extremely beneficial when it comes to disgruntled employees taking action against the company.
Install Uninterruptible Power Supplies and Surge Protectors
A UPS – uninterruptible power supply – provides enough battery life so you can save your data if a power disruption occurs. Make sure the UPS size and type meets the requirements and standards of the company.
Each networked device and computer should be plugged into the UPS. For electronics and equipment that is not on the network, a standard surge protector is enough. Make sure you test and replace every surge protector and UPS based on the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Patch your Software and Operating Systems Regularly
Every new app may open the door for a cyber-attack. The best way to prevent this from happening is by patching and updating software regularly for every device that is used by employees.
Make sure to check for any new updates when you are buying a new computer or installing all-new software on your system. Make sure the software vendors you choose to work with are not required to continue providing security updates for the unsupported products. An example of this is with Microsoft. It halted all support for Windows 7 in January 2020. If you are still using Windows 7, now is the time to update, or you may be putting your entire network and business at-risk.
Never wait to download updates for your operating system, either. In many cases, these updates provide an array of new or enhanced security features.
Install and Activate Hardware and Software Firewalls
A firewall can help to thwart a potentially malicious hacker and help to stop employees from going to inappropriate websites. It is a good idea to install and update a firewall system for each employee device.
Make sure that you include your off-size employees, too, even if you are using a VPN – virtual private network, or a CSP – cloud service provider. You should also install an IDPS – intrusion detection/prevention system to offer an even higher level of protection.
Secure All Wireless Networks and Access Points
If you want to secure your wireless networking, you need to implement some router best practices. This includes changing the pre-set administrative password that comes with new devices. You should also set your wireless access point so that it does not broadcast the SSID – service set identifier. Another step you can take is to set the router for using WiFi Protected Access 2, or WPA-2, featuring AES – Advanced Encryption Standard – for the encryption. Try to avoid using Wired-Equivalent Privacy – WEP – if possible.
If you offer wireless internet access to your visitors, clients, or customers, make sure it is separate from your business network.
Set Up and Use Email and Web Filters
Use a web browser and email filters to help deter would-be hackers and to prevent spam from winding up in your employee’s inboxes. You can also choose to download the “blacklist” services, which will block your workers and other users from browsing a website that is viewed as “risky” or that pose a risk of malware.
Make sure you caution your workers against going to a site that is commonly associated with cybersecurity issues, such as social media or pornographic sites. While this may seem obvious, it takes just one employee to go to the wrong site and download malware into the entire network.
Protecting Your Business from Cyber Threats
If you want to protect your business from cyber threats, there are more than a few steps you must take. Each of the tips here will help you keep your network safe and secure and reduce the likelihood of hackers gaining access to your business network or sensitive information and data. If necessary, hire a third-party service provider to further help with securing your network and system. Being informed and knowing what to expect, ensure you keep your business safe and protected from cyber threats.
