Cybersecurity concerns are rising around the world. According to the Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report, 47% of businesses reported being hit by a cyber attack. Many small business owners feel that comprehensive cybersecurity is beyond their means. In truth, a few simple steps can be taken to shore up defenses. Here are seven easy ways to strengthen your company’s cybersecurity.
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1. Adopt a Zero Trust Architecture
“Zero trust” security architecture as a concept is very self-explanatory. It means assuming that a threat can come from multiple vectors, which in turn means that any new user on your network is a potential hazard. Insist upon rigorous standards of verification from anyone accessing your network. Also, limit the access of any new users to the bare minimum necessary to accomplish their official tasks. Tools such as cloud infrastructure entitlement management systems, or CIEM systems, help to facilitate this approach to keeping the worst from happening by assuming that the worst can happen.
2. Train Employees to Recognize Scams
Taking a proactive stance towards potential threats means nothing if everyone on the team can’t recognize these dangers. Security company Tessian discovered in their Psychology of Human Error report that error played a role in 85% of data breaches. Employees often made simple mistakes like clicking on a compromised email link or erring due to burnout. Others fell for phishing scams and gave out company secrets to scammers. Teach everyone how to recognize scams and practice constant vigilance.
3. Generate Stronger Passwords
Another step that everybody can take collectively to ensure greater security is to create stronger passwords. The average password is shockingly weak. Research shows that a good password should be at least eight characters long, preferably 12 or more. Passwords should never be a personal fact (thus compromising personal identity security), and they should ideally be a randomized mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. The harder it is for you to recall, the more arduous it will be for hackers to crack.
4. Avoid Unsecured Wi-Fi
Speaking of passwords, avoid performing sensitive transactions over unsecured Wi-Fi. Much work these days is done remotely, and it may be tempting to use public Wi-Fi on passwordless networks. This could be a costly mistake. Cybercriminals lurking nearby can read your data if the system isn’t password protected. Either use Wi-Fi with good security practices or wait until later to enter vital information.
5. Update Systems Regularly
As software and hardware age, they become less capable of resisting emerging security threats. Software updates may be a pain to download, but they typically include patches for newly discovered flaws in security or fixes for recently emerging threats. If possible, download any applicable updates as soon as they become available. Be sure that your hardware is also updated since obsolete machines are easier to compromise. Staying ahead of the tech curve helps keep threats at bay.
6. Encrypt Your Data
It’s beneficial to encrypt your data at every level. Storing your data on an encrypted hard drive is an excellent plan. In 2007, Microsoft Windows started offering the BitLocker option to encrypt data. Keeping vital information offline on an encrypted flash drive works well, too, especially since they often come with added features like biometric security locks. Storing hard copy backups in a locked safe is also effective. Hackers see your data as a prize. Treat it the same way.
7. Never Neglect Physical Security
In talking about cybersecurity, it’s easy to forget that keeping devices physically secured is crucial to stopping cyber attacks. Expensive antivirus software won’t help if your office suffers a break-in. Lock all doors and windows before everyone goes home. Acquire CCTV cameras or other electronic security devices if possible. Train them on entry and exit points, as well as trash disposal bins. Hastily-discarded documents could give cybercriminals a wealth of information.
Becoming a victim of cybercrime is hardly inevitable. It’s up to everyone online to practice safe surfing and situational awareness. Use these tips as a starting point toward a more effective and efficient security platform.
