The need for businesses to buffer their defenses has become increasingly prevalent in a world where cyber attacks happen too frequently for our liking.
Indeed, the nature of cyber attacks carried out by hackers in recent years has reached new levels, and they have developed innovative and cunning methods to breach the security systems installed by businesses.
It is of paramount importance to understand the need to be cyber aware, and to react if you experience a hack.
There are a few tips we have highlighted in this guide to minimalize your chances of being hacked in the future.
Change Passwords
This may seem like common sense, but you would be amazed at how some businesses or individuals use the same password for every site they are on, and the passwords are quite simple to guess.
Often, you will be asked to provide a password that will contain a certain number of characters which will also include digits as well as punctuation marks.
There have been some reports suggesting that last year, 44% of businesses experienced a serious data breach.
Perhaps part of that was down to not having watertight passwords, and as such, it left them feeling exposed.
In some accountancy firms, for example, a system may be set up urging employees to update their passwords every month rather than waiting for prompts.
In this situation, you should go for a convoluted one, but one that you will remember. Taking time to find a solid password will be worth it in the long run!
Do Regular Updates
Just like you would on an iPhone or Android, you should always carry out regular updates.
Software is always changing, and for the sake of your business, it is important you make sure you are up-to-date to avoid any unnecessary security headaches.
Part of the reason for doing this, is that having the latest software will also improve the performance of the computer you are working on.
After all, when it comes to Mac computers, for example, there are fewer things more frustrating than the wheel of doom, which can carry on spinning for what seems like a very long time.
Another way to do this is to clear your cookies, and uninstall any apps or programs that you may not be using.
With an uninstaller app, you can also delete all associated files and data which will give you peace of mind moving forward for you and your employees.
Raise Red Flag
Educating employees is also a great way for businesses to protect themselves while online. Being able to raise red flags can help companies react before it is too late.
This is paramount in the e-commerce sector. For example, online shops are always handling tons of transactions each day, so when customers shop online, they will be sharing financial data, such as banking information, and shops need to do everything to ensure nothing is leaked.
When completing transactions, there will be an extra step for customers to fill in, so that they can complete the purchase, and they will be sent a copy of their order via email as proof.
E-commerce platforms have a duty to look after their customers, and they will only work with approved merchants for cyber security.
Even in other industries, such as the betting sphere, companies have worked tirelessly to improve the levels of cyber security.
For seasoned gamblers looking to play at the finest casinos, they will look to sites that afford the most appropriate levels of security as a reason to side with them over another operator.
Many of the best new slot sites like Casumo will install the latest SSL (Secure Socket Layer) measures to protect players, which is crucial considering the amount of deposits and withdrawals processed each day.
Only Use Approved Devices
Employees should be advised to use only approved connections and devices. That may mean logging on from home to do work rather than using public Wi-Fi hotspots as this can leave them exposed to other hacks.
Some devices may not be secure, and an IT team must set the company up with the necessary protection.
There should be a proper cyber security policy to give employees flexibility as to the devices they can use.
Keep Verification Data Private
As we discussed earlier in the case of e-commerce industries, workers and consumers alike should be on high alert when sharing personal data, so they don’t leave themselves exposed to unwanted third parties and data falling into the wrong hands.
This includes as part of the transaction process, being careful when sharing banking information, such as CVV codes which is a three-digit number on the back of a debit or credit card.
To keep themselves on top of things, businesses should carry out regular audits to see which systems work best, and eliminate the ones that are putting the company and its employees at risk.
Have Clear Protocols In Place
Whether you are an individual or a business, you should always review your cybersecurity policy.
When the GDPR ruling came in, individuals could object to information being stored for the purposes of marketing or for non-service-related purposes.
Therefore, moving forward, companies should make it clear cyber security explanations to clients, so that both parties can move forward with the knowledge that they will be safe while online. Regular updating of cyber security policies shouldn’t go amiss.
Cyber Security – A Summary
Investing in cyber security, whether you are on an individual or a sizeable business, is vital and with hacks becoming more sophisticated, you have to find a way to stay ahead of them.
Although the ideas we haven’t outlined in this guide isn’t an exhaustive list, it should act as a source of inspiration to make sure you are on top of everything that is cyber-security related.
Failing to prepare is preparing, and if you don’t take advantage of these tips, then you will leave yourself exposed to cyber attacks in the future.
Ella Marcotte
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