Businesses of all sizes are targets of cyberattacks, leaving no business free from the risk. Is your business prepared? Here are some tips to help protect your business from the unexpected.
Learn the threats
The top five security threats are phishing, sophisticated malware/ransomware, employee credentials, business email compromise (BEC), and software/cloud configuration. By knowing the most common threats your business faces, you can create safety protocols to prevent cyberattacks.
Understand your systems and the information collected
It is important to know what systems your business uses, and what information is collected. For example, your business may be collecting IP addresses, email address, passwords, and more. Once you identify what information you’re collecting, make sure you follow state laws and regulations to keep the information protected.
Secure your networks and equipment
Install a firewall. Even if you have a firewall installed, it is only effective if it is properly configured. Check your firewall regularly. Use a VPN (virtual private network) to secure access if you have remote employees or allow remote access.
Secure your WiFi networks. Make sure your password is strong and do not use a default password. If you’re allowing guests to access your WiFi, consider setting up a separate router and password.
Control access to your computers and data. Set up user profiles so only authorized users have access to your systems and data. Create rules that ensure strong passwords are set for these users.
Educate and train your employees
Your employees need to understand the impact a cyberattack could have on the business and how to help prevent it. Training your employees is the most effective way to teach them the company policies and procedures. Consider hosting a training course, posting security tips throughout the office, encouraging employees to attend webinars, and inform them about new threats, trends, or attacks you see in the news.
Additional security measures
Security patches are updates that fix known vulnerabilities in software and hardware to enhance security. Keep the patches current on desktops, laptops, and servers will help prevent malware/ransomware. Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) on services, websites, and applications as an extra layer of protection for employee credentials. Implement business processes that not only trusts email communications, but also has other checks/balances to prevent business email compromise. Prevent software/cloud configuration by implementing more controls on privileged users, such as extra monitoring or change control.
These are just few tips to help protect your business from cyberattacks. Learn more about SECURA’s Cyber Security coverage for even more protection, and talk with your local independent agent for a quote.
