Protect Your Business From Cyberattacks
As the business world continues to recover from the pandemic and things start to ramp up again, I’d like to share with you 5 quick, easy steps you can take right now to minimize your risk of being a victim of a cyberattack.
1. Never open emails that look suspicious. A phishing attack via email is still one of the most popular ways hackers can go right around any security system you might have in place. That is why it’s so important to train your employees to be mindful of these emails, to know what to look for, and to take action when they see suspicious emails. Most email hosts now have tools in place that can help analyze a questionable email to ensure it is safe, and successfully remove a known phishing attempt. The key is to be proactive on this because once the email is opened and it’s too late, it is much more difficult to reverse any damage done.
2. Keep your systems updated. Updating your operating system is the easiest and one of the most crucial steps you can take, and you can almost always keep the process automated. Many malicious software programs will target out-of-date systems, so you will always want to ensure your computers are updating with the latest security patches and bug fixes. Knowing your computers are already armed with the latest and greatest software will take the worry away from you trying to do it manually. In whatever operating system you are using, there are settings you can configure to optimize the update process. Just double-check that the computer is set to push and install updates automatically, and you’re done.
3. Back up your data. Having a backup plan for your company’s lifeblood is a simple and inexpensive way to protect one of your most valuable resources. There are several options to choose from such as complete machine backups, image backups, snapshots, and file-level backups. Whatever method you choose, having a plan to quickly restore your data in case of an emergency will save you countless hours and a lot of money. There are even free options to start with; just make sure you install and configure the correct backup software according to your needs and goals. This one is simply a no-brainer.
4. Make sure you have active antivirus software installed on your computer. There are so many security companies that advertise viable protection from viruses that even the experts can get overwhelmed with which product works best. Even if you are not sure about spending money on protecting your PC from a virus, you can still start simple. Most Microsoft PC’s come with a built-in standard protection program that will never expire; It is simply a matter of making sure your PC is configured properly. There are also free third-party applications available to protect your computer from harm. Remember, just like a real virus, some protection is much better than no protection!
5. Configure your Firewall. If you have access to the internet at your business, whether you have a basic modem or a fully stocked enterprise router, each device will have a firewall. Make sure that your firewall is enabled, properly configured, and customized to protect your business based on your practices, procedures, and employees. Doing so will help maximize your protection against an attack.
Cybersecurity is about assessing the specific risks related to your business. Remember, hackers are trained to target specific points of vulnerability, so a good counter would be to analyze and strengthen those weak points so that you are ready for any potential attack.
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