We have evolved to go about our daily activities with the help of technology, and now both in our private and professional lives, we rely on numerous devices and software applications to accomplish things that were impossible just a few decades ago. Our inclination to implement technological developments has improved many aspects of our lives, but the danger of cyber threats has never been more consequential.
Commonly anticipated and dreaded threats include compromised, weak, or stolen credentials and malicious insiders. Encryption misconfigurations, ransomware, and phishing can have dire consequences for a company and its employees. If you are thinking about protecting your business from cyber threats, we prepared a list of the best ways to do it and avoid any damage.
Obtain a Proper Business Insurance Package
If you want to secure an optimal level of business protection for your employees, as well as your business operations, obtaining an insurance package is probably one of the first things you should do. While general liability or professional liability insurance can cover some of the potential risks involving cyber threats, you can always partner up with an insurance company that will help tailor your business insurance to meet your needs.
Regularly Back Up Your Data
All companies deal with varying quantities of valuable information that is indispensable to keep the business running. Instead of having shelves with large folders full of documents, now we deal with that data electronically, and saving copies of essential paperwork is just as important.
That is why we regularly have to back up company data and update our database, whether it is offline storage or cloud solutions that we are using. We should regard regular data backup as dedicated bookkeeping because it is just as essential, and if your company regularly backs up important data, the likelihood of losing it decreases.
Secure Business Devices and Network
Having a network breach is not uncommon for companies of all sizes, so taking steps to increase network and device security should always be an ongoing procedure.
Any unauthorized access to company software or information is considered a security breach, but the company devices and network are usually the top critical points for said breaches. Employ regular in-house checks and security audits to keep your devices safe and your network operating securely.
Implement Encryption for Sensitive Data
Encryption is crucial for maintaining the security of company information, and it works by using one or more mathematical techniques and a key or password to decrypt the data. In practice, encryption makes data unreadable to third parties even if they find a way to access it unless they have the decryption keys.
Make Use of Multi-Factor Authentication
We are familiar with multi-step security procedures in our daily lives, like when we have to enter a code from an authenticator app in addition to our login credentials. Taking extra steps to confirm access information like identity and ownership will always be in favor of enhancing the security at your company.
Enable Smart Traffic Restrictions
Restricting access to particular low-security websites or applications is the norm for companies that take pride in their business security. By blocking unsecured traffic, you can diminish the odds of cross-site tracking, malware, ransomware, and security breaches.
Put Safety Policies for Staff
Even if you have a dedicated security department available around the clock, putting up safety policies for staff can go a long way in preventing potential cyber security dangers. No matter how fast your cyber security department reacts, your employees can prevent threats by complying with company safety policies.
Include Staff Cyber Security Training
In addition to putting up safety policies for your staff, you can also include cyber security training for employees to decrease the odds of an unwanted threat and better handle it if it happens.
Set Up a Detailed Incident Response Plan
No matter how much we try and pay attention, incidents can still happen, and you want to ensure you can do all in your power to get things to their usual operations in the event of a cyber security threat.
Having a detailed incident response plan can help get your company back to its standard procedures as soon as possible. Outlining your incident response plan involves guiding employees through a series of steps depending on the threat in question, and your goal is reverting company operations to their previous state.
Conclusion
No matter the industry in which your business operates, one of the best things you can do to secure the future of your company and employees is to take preventive measures towards combating potential cyber security threats. By guarding the security of your business, you are also investing the odds that your company will continue working without any cybersecurity impediments in the future.
