Cyber threats have become a daily struggle for businesses. Recent trends have revealed a significant increase in breached and hacked information from sources that are gradually familiar in the workspace.
Statistics have shown that approximately 31% of businesses have experienced attacks that are related to their operational technology infrastructure.
Among the most common types of cyber threats, today include mobile security breaches, phishing, malware, file hijacker and spyware.
Often these attacks are a result of a shortage of personnel and lack of visibility between organisational members.
Online criminals have become more innovative. And more often than not, they’re one step ahead.
It’s, therefore, important to know how to prevent cyber threats, as prevention will help your business stay afloat and maintain a good reputation.
It’s time to stop hackers in their tracks. Take a look at these 6 top prevention tips to get you started on the road to safety and security today:
1. Determine cyber threats
It is important to note that online criminals are always on the lookout for opportunities to steal information and disrupt privacy.
It’s essential to take all the necessary precautions to protect your business’s data.
You can start by identifying key fundamental threats. For example, unauthorised computer access should immediately be discussed and explained along with your team members before any real damage is caused.
2. Update your business operating systems regularly
The operating system serves as the central command of your smartphone, laptop, and desktop. When it’s not updated; businesses are setting themselves up as the primary target for hackers.
Online criminals are always looking for outdated computers that have not had security patches and updates installed in a long time.
Updating your company’s operating systems on a regular basis allows your businesses to apply crucial security fixes to their software. You should continuously install patches and updates as soon as they are available.
This is one of the most effective ways of warding off cyber threats.
3. Try high-end authentication solutions
Cyber threats have quickly shifted into credential-stealing attacks.
Enter top-class authentication solutions.
Multi-factor authentication and two-factor authentication will help bolster your security.
It’s time to encourage your employees to use MFA and 2FA. This will allow your businesses to elevate your data protection strategies with that extra layer of security.
In most cases, security systems often require a password and a code that’s either sent to an email address or a smartphone. This is considered a best practice in the workplace. It can help protect your business’s data, as well as discourage online criminals from making an attack.
4. It’s time to train your employees
Teaching your employees about cybersecurity is extremely effective in reducing cyber threats for your business.
Most employees, especially your older workforce are often vulnerable to these attacks because, generally speaking, they are technically unaware.
Cyber-attacks have become extremely sophisticated in nature.
It may be time for business leaders to start awareness training that covers all types of cyberattacks and basic hacking principles.
It’s also recommended to keep an eye on employees by motivating and discouraging them from leaking out critical information. In addition, business leaders can also choose to utilise password managers to generate and manage employee passwords.
5. Always keep a backup on hand
Having a backup of all business files can assure that organisations can return to normal operations if all else fails. As a general rule of thumb, it is advisable to perform backups weekly or as changes are made on the computer.
Ideally, cloud-based drives should be used for this. The cloud automatically syncs use data and allows them to select which folders they’d like to upload as part of their backup procedure.
You may also want to consider storing your backup in a separate cloud environment.
6. Perform security audits frequently
Fulfilling internal security audits is imperative in identifying the biggest cyber threats.
This is also a great way of determining and fixing internal issues related to procedures and policies of the company.
A competent threat assessment will minimise the danger and impact of potential breaches. This will also prevent keeping your company from being in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
3 Common cyber threats that impact a business
A lack of concentration on cyber threats can pose great damage to a business. There is the theft of company information and interruption to trading which both result in financial losses.
Take a look at the three most common cyber threats that impact the bottom line of any business:
1. Outdated programs. Customised and outdated software is a common cyber threat in all networks with new malware and viruses introduced daily.
2. Careless and disgruntled employees. Your workforce is the biggest security risk of any organisation because of their knowledge of valuable company information. Employees who surf malicious websites and open suspicious email attachments could potentially bring malware into your business systems.
The most advantageous way to prevent internal attacks is to closely monitor and manage access credentials for unusual behaviour.
3. Portable computing hardware. It’s no secret that portable computing hardware such as tablets and smartphones promote greater productivity. This hardware often goes uncontrolled and when lost or stolen, any data related to your company will be at great risk.
Key takeaways
Cyber threats are more frequent and potent with attackers using varied techniques to infiltrate and steal company data.
Nonetheless, it is still possible to protect your digital assets even if your business is targeted by highly-experienced criminals.
Preventing cyber threats is a comprehensive approach that includes protecting all the electronic assets and data of your organisation. It takes commitment, planning of resources and a proactive working environment to effectively implement a cybersecurity strategy which covers all spheres of your business.
Are you ready to take the next step in reducing your digital risk today? Why click the button below to schedule a call with one of our security experts to get you stated
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