10 tips for improving your cybersecurity
How safe is your business? Discover 10 things you can do to help improve your cybersecurity, and keep your company, staff and customers safe.
Cyber security for the workplace and for individuals has never been more important. Cyber attacks are a constant threat, and with our digital world, criminals will continue trying to gain access to data for illegal purposes as long as it’s profitable.
When it comes to businesses, more and more data is stored digitally, whether in the cloud or on hard drives. Plus, with the software as a service industry growing in leaps and bounds, there are more possible access points for criminals.
This makes it all the more important to install more advanced security systems. Here are 10 tips to improve your cybersecurity and keep your data safe.
1) Password safety
Guessed or stolen passwords are a major cause of cyber attacks. Too many people choose simple passwords that can be guessed or accessed through phishing or social media information scams.
The key is to have passwords that are complicated and unusual. Do not use words, but phrases instead. Place numbers, special characters, and capital letters in unusual places to make it harder to crack.
2) Software updates
Software updates can be annoying, but in many cases they are specifically for patching up a security issue. If you don’t accept an update on your phone or personal computer, you may be leaving yourself vulnerable.
3) Email safety
Most cyber attacks start with an email. It gets sent out to a large number of people with the hopes that someone will download the attachment that contains dangerous malware.
Make sure that you are careful about attachments you and your staff open. Only open them from trusted senders, and if you are not sure, pick up the phone and call them to ensure it is safe.
4) Anti-virus protection and firewalls
Anti-virus protection will alert you if you download an infected or corrupted file. It prevents viruses and keeps your devices clean and free of malware. Firewalls will alert you if you are visiting dangerous websites, and control what kind of web traffic enters your device.
5) Software development safety
Running a software development company creates specific cybersecurity risks. As you build your product, you need to know if there are any issues that could leave your software open to attacks. A solution like Apiiro can help to identify weaknesses as you go so that you can correct them immediately.
6) Secure file sharing
With so many people working remotely, there has never been such a need for file sharing. However, your files can be vulnerable if they are not secure. Use a file sharing and storage service that offers encryption so that all of your data and files are protected.
7) Two-factor authentication
It’s one thing to have strong passwords for all of your portals. However, it doesn’t hurt to have extra security. With two-factor authentication, you need to have not only a password, but also your phone with you at the same time. When you enter your password, you will get a notification with another temporary code to enter. That way, even if someone has your password, they would need access to your phone.
Using two or multi-factor authentication is a crucial step in the building of a zero trust network for your business which can effectively protect it from digital attackers.
8) Data backups
Make sure to regularly backup your data to a portable drive or to a remote server. That way if you are attacked and lose data, you can easily recover it and get back up and running again. This won’t necessarily prevent attacks, but it will help you weather them.
9) Training
One of the most important things you can do to protect your business is train your staff. They may know that it’s important to prevent cyber attacks, but if they don’t know how, then it won’t matter. Provide regular training and refreshers, and make it clear how important cyber security is for everyone’s data protection.
10) Biometric data
Technology is evolving at an incredible rate, which means that what seemed only possible in sci-fi movies is now reality. Biometric security involves using your fingerprint, facial recognition, or another unique physical aspect to determine access to portals. This means that only you will be able to get in, regardless if someone has obtained your passwords.
Cyber attacks aren’t going to go away any time soon, but there are many things you can do to avoid them. Use these tips to protect yourself and your business.
Photo by Clay Banks
