According to most data, which we have discussed, cybercrime is on the rise both internationally and in the US. According to forecasts, it will likely damage the global economy $10.5 trillion by 2025, up from about $3 trillion in 2015. It’s crucial to have a wide range of effective security measures in place to deter hackers if you want to avoid your company joining this grim statistic.
There isn’t a single, foolproof step you can take to protect yourself against online attacks. Your sensitive data must be protected from harmful intrusions, which calls for ongoing attention to detail and a long-term dedication to cybersecurity best practises. As a business owner, you may adopt a number of different mitigating measures to lower your organization’s cyber risk profile while fostering a culture of cyber security diligence among your staff.
Here are six essential actions you must do to succeed in your company’s cyber security.
Stay on top of software maintenance
Throughout the lifecycle of a software programme, its creators distribute updates to fix bugs, add new features, and patch security gaps. Applications, operating systems, and other programmes should be updated as soon as they are made available in order to maintain maximum performance and reduce the chance that hackers may take advantage of known vulnerabilities.
On rare occasions, cybercriminals execute “zero day” attacks after discovering software flaws ahead of the creators. Encourage your IT team to follow cybersecurity news so that countermeasures can be used to protect against these vulnerabilities until the software developers release a remedy in order to avoid falling victim to such assaults.
Limit account privileges
Cybercriminals are mainly interested in user accounts with administrative rights. Such accounts provide users the ability to modify system settings, manage security restrictions, access data, and install or remove programs—abilities that, in the hands of a cybercriminal, may be fatal.
It is advisable to host admin privileges in dedicated accounts with constrained internet-connected features in order to reduce the danger involved with such accounts. By doing this, you’ll lessen the amount of hacker entry points and the likelihood of a criminal compromising such an account.
Try to keep the number of accounts hosting these privileges as low as possible if you must grant numerous people admin privileges for practical reasons; small organisations should have no more than 2 or 3 admin accounts.
Use Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Users must provide two or more pieces of identification information in order to access a device or corporate resource using multi-factor authentication. MFA has spread in popularity recently and is a very helpful tool for confirming the identity of users requesting remote access to resources.
Typically, a password serves as the first piece of identifying information. Employees should be urged to change passwords on a regular basis to further reduce risk. This should be challenging yet easy to remember.
Depending on the capabilities of the platform or device in question, the second piece of identifying information may take a number of different forms. It might consist of:
- Something inherent. This might consist of biometric information like a fingerprint or face scan.
- Something in the user’s possession. This could entail the programme exchanging a code with a device or account registered for verification. The use of a verification code that is texted to the user’s smartphone is a typical illustration.
- Location or device data. Some MFA systems can be set up to prevent access from unapproved locations or devices.
Establish an Information security policy document
An information security policy document formalises the procedures and standards that all personnel using your company’s IT systems must adhere to. This document should include provisions for all aspects of information security, including safe password management, identities, remote access, BYOD policies, permitted use, and sharing of business data with other organisations.
For the development of reliable information security architecture and related documentation, ISO 27000 offers a widely accepted standard. You can even get certified by ISO 27001 to show customers and other stakeholders how committed your company is to best practises in information security.
Perform periodic security audits of remote devices
In the modern workplace, individuals frequently do their jobs using a variety of portable devices in addition to their office PC. It can be difficult to manage secure access to company resources through such devices, but by defining a few ground rules and routinely checking devices, you can make sure your sensitive data is not being handled improperly or put at danger.
Make a “whitelist” of the programmes and services that your team must have access to first. Then, check each remote work device separately to make sure all unneeded features and apps have been disabled or uninstalled. As a result, there may be fewer weaknesses for hackers to take advantage of.
Next, make each gadget more secure by optimising it. Change default passwords to more secure ones and, when possible, use multi-factor authentication. Use screen lock features that lock devices after a predetermined number of unsuccessful login attempts. Additionally, you should turn off capabilities like “autorun,” which automatically execute files stored on removable media, as this feature may unintentionally transmit malware to your network or devices.
Use an MDM (mobile device management) platform like Microsoft Intune to lessen the burden of remote device governance. Your IT team will be able to remotely control portable devices and set them up for optimal data security as a result.
Third-party Cyber security awareness training
Finding the time to do internal cyber security awareness training can be challenging given the time constraints that come with running a corporation. Thankfully, a sizable number of third-party suppliers offer cyber security awareness training aimed at equipping staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognise and effectively combat online threats.
Affordably priced, subscription-based pricing means that there is typically little financial commitment required. Training providers frequently make instructional content accessible via online portals, allowing you to fit learning around your team’s work responsibilities.
Outstanding managed IT with a significant emphasis on cyber security
We at Virtual IT Group are aware that juggling data security responsibilities with day-to-day business operations can be difficult. With over 35+ years of experience in real-world corporate IT infrastructure, we are anything but your local repair shop. We bring international standards and expertise while crafting the ideal IT solutions for your organization with our innovative approach and combined services. Get in touch with us today to see how we can support your company’s success with technology that is safe, reliable, and suited to your objectives.
