You are wrong if you think that your business isn’t vulnerable to cyberattacks due to its size. If that were the case, the tech giant, Facebook wouldn’t have been at the center of a massive data breach. The latest controversy sheds light on the importance of data protection and cybersecurity. It also reflects the need to create awareness regarding types of cyberattacks.
Small businesses make easy targets for computer criminals due to minimal cybersecurity. Hackers usually disrupt online business processes in an attempt to extort money or to access confidential information. This data breach can result in financial and psychological distress as well as damage your brand reputation. Here are several ways to help you improve your business’s cybersecurity.
Create regular backups
Backups are important. Protect information stored in the cloud or any other external storage utility using encryption and passwords. Multiple copies of terabytes of data may come in handy one day. Large organizations, including ISP companies that offer comprehensive service plans like Spectrum Specials Deals, have additional copies of data; all protected through encryption. In case of a virus attack, you will still be able to access your precious data through its copies.
Create a cyber security policy
A comprehensive cybersecurity policy contains all the essentials required to counter cyber scams. The policy draft must include guidelines for keeping data safe in case of a potential breach. You can consult an IT professional who can guide you regarding necessary protocols and arrangements with regard to data security and hack attacks, and incorporate the same into your policy. Moreover, introduce penalties against non-compliance and violations.
Create complex passwords
Hackers have a hard time cracking strong passwords and codes. Instruct your employees to set up unique passwords for each account. Robust passwords are a combination of alphabets, numerals, and special characters and are difficult to crack. Further, ensure two-factor authentication for business accounts. This dual sign-in process acts as an extra layer of security for accounts. Ask employees to regularly update old passwords. Use screen timeouts as well.
Use latest antivirus software
Always go for the upgrades. Make sure that your business is running on the latest debugged versions of software and operating systems. Sift through the Internet for updates on electronic gadgets and security applications. For starters, activate firewalls to detect potential intrusion.
Filter spam email
Cybersecurity attacks that originate via emails are a recurring occurrence. By continuously enabling filters you are eliminating 99% of spam and phishing emails from your inbox. You can manually select a security plan for your inbox, too.
Limit Wi-Fi access
Keeping your Wi-Fi users to a select few reduces the chance of cyberattacks on your network. Create individual logins for users whenever possible. By restricting network access, you can prevent the spread of sensitive data of your organization.
Conduct cybersecurity surveys
Cybersecurity surveys and user training and awareness are crucial to preventing data breaches and hack attacks. Companies that have committed to these practices are emerging as industry leaders and are more than prepared to deal with computer criminals and prevent data breaches. Further, training staff on IT risks must form the basis of any organization’s cybersecurity policy.
With cybercriminals becoming increasingly innovative, business owners must invest in the latest cybersecurity measures to strengthen their digital defenses against malware and other types of data breaches. The ongoing investigation into Facebook’s data breach is an important case study on the importance of data protection and the vulnerabilities of the existing IT infrastructure. It also exposes the attitude of the general public when it comes to a data breaches.
The solution lies in the general acceptance that data breach is a very serious offense and an overall change in the attitude of the users. It remains to be seen whether or not the majority of the users affected by the Facebook data breach will seek monetary damages from the tech giant.