In today’s tech-filled world, no business seems to be safe from hackers. From Yahoo and Facebook to even British Airways, multi-billion dollar companies have been the victims of data breaches. While this may seem disheartening and scary, not all is lost.
You can protect your business from hacking and ransomware if you invest time and money in good safety measures. In this article, we’ll give you six tips to protect yourself and your company from potential hacking threats.
Use antivirus and firewall software
Both small businesses and large firms benefit from using reliable antivirus and firewall software. Antivirus software regularly scans your computer to quarantine and delete malware. Firewalls ensure that no hacks can breach your systems.
It is also advisable to invest in internet-friendly antivirus software that scans downloads and secures all online activity. While individuals may not need paid plans, it might be prudent for your company to rely on business IT support companies to prepare a payment plan for your antivirus needs.
Use a good service provider for your cloud
Storing your company’s data in the cloud has numerous benefits – employees can access data remotely, and it saves valuable storage space in local computers. However, investing in a good cloud service provider can make or break your company’s cloud infrastructure.
Unreliable providers could expose your data to breaches and hacks. Make sure that your service provider regularly downloads security updates and fixes vulnerabilities immediately.
Update software regularly
Your company may use different software for everyday functioning, including programs for content management, inventory, and internal communication. If your company’s IT personnel do not update company software regularly, you might be more prone to hackers.
Once your software provider stops supporting previous versions of software, older versions become more vulnerable to data breaches. To prevent this, check for regular updates and ensure that every employee updates all relevant software.
Train your team
Your company is only as strong as your employees. You might invest a lot of money into security software, but a misstep from an employee might expose your company to hacks. Conduct regular training sessions on safe online practices.
You might also want to hold online drills so that your employees are aware of common online scams like phishing attacks. Train them on online etiquette and the dangers of opening suspicious mail. Build spam filters in every mailbox as necessary.
In case any team member identifies suspicious activity, ask them to report it to IT immediately.
Change passwords regularly
Retaining the same password for extended periods may pose a security threat for your company. Employees may also be tempted to reuse their work passwords for other profiles, which could put your firm at risk.
To prevent this, send out regular password change requests to all employees once or twice a year. If your employees have to create passwords for more than one program, make sure that each password is unique.
Ensure that passwords are strong – they must contain alphanumeric characters, special characters, and at least one uppercase and lowercase letter. They must contain at least 15 characters.
Limit access to sensitive information
Data breaches may happen because of human error. Limiting access to sensitive information greatly reduces your chances of getting hacked. Create clearance systems for employees and give them access to privileged information only as necessary. This could include admin access, login credentials, and additional passwords.
In addition, audit your systems regularly to alter access as needed. Once a project is completed, change access systems accordingly.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an additional layer of security and prevents hackers from gaining access to your servers. With MFA, employees use an additional passcode, another device, email verification, or a security question to sign into their accounts.
Since hackers are unlikely to have access to a secondary device or additional pins, it is unlikely that they can breach this system. Additionally, since all new sign-ins are notified by the MFA system, employees can keep an eye out for suspicious activity.
The Bottom Line
Investing in trusted business IT support services is crucial to ensure the sustainable success of your company. While no single method can offer 100% protection, you’re guaranteed to reduce your vulnerabilities if you follow these steps.
