Cybersecurity is an ongoing concern for any business, regardless of its scale. Even multi-million dollar companies fall victim to online fraud, so it’s more important than ever to take the right precautions, protect yourself, and safeguard your customers.
1. Filter spam (and educate staff)
The majority of cyberattacks can be traced back to nefarious emails opened in error by unsuspecting staff. Cyber threats delivered via email range from phishing scams to malware and even ransomware. One of the simplest ways to combat these attacks is with an effective spam filter. All email servers come with one, but you can go one step further by adding an external filter to provide another layer of protection.
Even with that, though, it’s inevitable that some dangerous emails will slip through the net. That’s where training and education come in. Train staff never to click links in suspicious emails and to treat any unusual contacts with the utmost caution. In-house training can prevent countless problems further down the line, and staff should always be aware that emails carry the most threat.
2. Hire a cybersecurity specialist
No matter your intentions, few business owners are equipped to manage every facet of their companies online security. This can lead to vulnerabilities, back doors, and a range of similar issues. Hackers update their methods on a near-daily basis, so it’s always a good idea to enlist the services of industry specialists and hire an IT management firm with cybersecurity experts.
Cybersecurity specialists will conduct extensive testing on your website and plug any gaps that they find. They have access to the best security systems, so they’ll be able to mount a robust defense. Most importantly of all, industry experts keep abreast of all the latest cyber attacks. They can help you stay one step ahead of the hackers, which is crucial in a digital world that is forever evolving. Of course, these services aren’t free, but given the financial impact that a cyber attack can have, it makes sense to dedicate a portion of your budget to bolstering your defenses.
3. Alter password culture
It seems self-explanatory, but outdated passwords represent the biggest hazard to your companies cybersecurity along with dubious email links. Passwords are leaky and often reveal the soft underbelly of a digital company. Sending reminders and telling your employees to change their passwords isn’t always enough. To be truly secure, you should foster a culture that puts password management at the heart of your security agenda. Make updating passwords part of the routine, not an afterthought.
There are lot’s of things to bear in mind when creating a new password, but avoid obvious words like names, locations, and dates of birth. Include a mix of upper and lowercase letters (at least one of each) and also include special symbols like @ and !. Most importantly of all, though, remember that no password is secure forever. Reinforce the point wherever and whenever possible: update, update, update.
