All companies, big or small, can suffer significantly from cyber threats. The tech savviness nature of today’s generation has it that more and more cybercriminals are finding more complex and diverse ways to attack businesses. As this is the case, business owners have to become more conversant and in touch with the state of their networks. Reinforcing a secure system to protect your business network from cyber threats is a core duty that you cannot overlook. Here are six different ways you can achieve this:
1. Secure Your Devices
Much as you may worry about your software being the loophole for a security vulnerability, the hardware part also has a role to play. Securing your devices should cover all the computers, disks, and mobile gadgets you use to operate in your company. The Internet of Things (IoT) has hugely contributed to security vulnerabilities. Beef up your security by securing your devices with security software like anti-spam filters, anti-spyware and various anti-viruses. Consider also a firewall to secure your network.
2. Have a backup plan in place
Whatever your security measures and strategies are, always ensure you have a backup plan in place. There are numerous opportunities today to back up your information to the cloud, among other options. By choosing to use Ottomatik as the backup solution, you have one less thing to worry about in matters of security. Ideally, you also have a secure network to bank on for the preservation of your information, should the need for retrieval arise.
Pro tip: keep your backups consistent and frequent. This will ensure that no crucial information is left out during uploads.
3. Keep up with current trends
A lot of advancements are happening every other day, thanks to technology. Developers and innovators are setting up more measures to defend websites and brands from cybercriminal activities. While that happens, hackers and other criminals are increasing their skill base for a better chance at cracking codes and hacking into systems and networks. This forms the basis as to why you need to keep up with current trends. Any updates on your software should be performed as soon as possible. It is also important to keep an eye out for any warning signs and recommendations that IT pros advice for or against.
4. Password Management
Passwords are core in any business setup. For all the employee logins and managing other company accounts, you must have a password management system in place. Since the plan should be to generate very strong passwords that can withstand hacker attempts, you need a management system that can save you the hassle of remembering all your passwords. You can try a tool like LastPass that helps in generating secure passwords and storing them, so you do not always have to remember them for logins.
For an added layer of security, you can activate the two-step verification feature for your administrative accounts. This will be good in restricting unauthorized access while securing your systems from data breaches.
5. Set a Strong Off-Boarding Policy
Human beings orchestrate most of the cyber threats you will face as a company. Sometimes, employees who leave your company might be a threat to your network. An off-boarding policy allows you to mitigate the risks that would be caused by employees who have left your company. Therefore, ensure that before one exits the company, they have submitted their ID badges, mobile devices, laptops, and any other company property. Be sure also to deactivate or delete their email addresses linking back to your business. This would also make the perfect time to change up your passwords.
6. Vulnerability and penetration testing
Even after putting forth so many measures, once you lag in security and get too comfortable, you may invite trouble without looking for it. The vulnerability and penetration testing of your security systems is an excellent way to audit your systems and test the functionality of all your security measures. This process will allow you to siphon out any loopholes that might compromise your business network. It is why you must make is a frequent doing, perhaps monthly, quarterly, or so.
While at it, conduct a cybersecurity risk assessment yearly for your business. The goal of this is to come up with newer priorities and responsibilities relevant to your networks at the time. This will also allow you to keep up with the trends, and come up with actionable insights on how to mitigate risks and cover security loopholes.