Online thievery is constantly in the news. So entrepreneurs must always stay vigilant and take action to protect their enterprises. Hackers steal sensitive data like company secrets and financial information. Loss of such data can lead to business closure.
But, by taking proper measures, your firm can avoid cyber-attack threats or even wipe out any problem that threatens to arise. By beefing up your firm’s internet security and following the tips below, hackers will have no alternative but to keep off.
Using the Appropriate Security Programs
A straightforward way to protect your enterprise is by using up-to-date software. Regular software updates may seem like a drag, but a business owner should not start skipping them. It is possible to use software that is not updated, but it increases the chances of becoming hacked. Experts have put effort into adjusting the code and improving the system’s security against malware. So, if you don’t stay on your toes, you risk your business’s safety.
You also have to back up your systems at least once every week. The more data changes occur in your business daily, the better it is to back up each day. You should not back up your data in a single location. One hard drive can fail, and you can’t afford to lose your only backup. Ensure that you have backups on-site and off-site as well.
Once you cover the basics, add extra security layers to your business. You may need many security packages, but the crucial ones include:
- Web application firewall (WAF). WAF can be hardware- or software-based. WAF acts as a protection layer between your data connection and the website service. So all the data that passes between the two systems get scoured. WAF is a cloud-based system. You can find the system through monthly subscriptions.
- Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). It is a tool to protect the information you send between the database and the website. The code prevents outsiders from accessing data without proper access.
- Software and website scanners. They help detect and stop malware, any virus, or harmful code.
Making Sure the Business’s Data is Secure and Encrypted
Most hackers focus on stealing or creating chaos. Most hackers target social security numbers, credit card accounts, and bank routing digits. If you do not secure your data, all of these become goldmines for hackers.
If you’re not transmitting your data over the internet, ensure it’s encrypted. You can turn on full-disk encryption tools. These tools come standard on operating systems. On PCs, it’s called BitLocker and FileVault on Macs.
It takes a few minutes to activate the feature. The feature encrypts files and programs on the drive without affecting performance. But the encryption can only apply when the user gets logged in to the computer. Hence, a hacker may attack through malware and viruses as the system runs. Setting the computer to log off automatically after 15 minutes of inactivity can help reduce the attack.
Ensuring the Network is Under Lock and Key
Leaving the Wi-Fi unlocked or poorly locked puts your systems at risk. Hackers can use war driving techniques to attack you. This technique allows hackers to use cars with high-powered antennas to scan for poorly protected networks. When they find a vulnerable target, they turn them into prey.
The best mechanism against such an attack is to rely on wired networks and do away with Wi-Fi. While using wired networks, you should deactivate the service set identifier to hide your network. But if you stick to Wi-Fi, ensure it’s updated to the best encryption standard.
Educating the Employees
Email servers and employees are the significant causes of data breaches in businesses. So it would be best to educate your employees on the basics of cyber security. You can hire an expert to teach them the best measures to prevent an attack.
Hiring an Expert to Protect Your Business
An external expert may increase the odds of deflecting an attack. You can sign on with internet-based data security experts like StickmanCyber to limit your exposure. You can even choose subscription services like SOC-as-a-service from vendors.
Using Malware and Antivirus Programs
Much malware gets installed through the security hacks of the network. Loading your systems with antivirus and anti-malware protection ensures you don’t face cyber-attacks. Some malicious worms thrive on out-of-date software and old equipment. So, updating hardware and software keeps them off.
Conclusion
Securing your systems as a business owner is a continuous task. You must constantly monitor your systems for any vulnerability and address it as it emerges. Taking precautions won’t protect you 100%, but it will make hackers less likely to get into your systems.
