Are you doing what you need to protect yourself and your business from cybercriminals? We have put together our tops tips for businesses when it comes to cyber security. If you would like to know more, give us a call today on 0151 334 2543 and we can talk you through how we can help keep your systems safe.
Make Good Password Management A Priority
Good password management is imperative when it comes to protecting your businesses computer systems. We recommend implementing Multi-factor or Two-factor authentication (MFA/2FA) rather than just a password. Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) is an authentication method that requires the user to provide two or more verification methods to gain access to a resource such as an application, system or website. A factor in authentication is a way of confirming your identity when you sign in. The three most common kinds of factors are:
- Something you know – Like a password, or a memorised PIN.
- Something you have – Like a smartphone, or a secure USB key.
- Something you are – Like a fingerprint, or facial recognition.
Employees should be taught good password practices. This includes avoiding common or easily guessed passwords, and trying to include numbers, symbols and a mixture of upper and lowercase letters.
Keep Software & Devices Updated
Out-of-date software, apps and operating systems contain vulnerabilities. This makes it easier for cybercriminals to hack. It is critical that any software you use is kept up-to-date, including any new security patches. Companies fix weaknesses in their software by releasing updates. Installing these updates helps to close any backdoors that hackers could use to access your systems.
We recommend turning on automatic updates for your devices and software that offer it. This means you do not have to remember each time an update is released. However, some devices and software need to be updated manually. You may get reminders on your phone or computer. Ensure you do not ignore these reminders as updating will help to keep you safe online.
If you are not confident that you can keep tabs on all the necessary updates why not outsource this responsibility to Corp Networking? We can keep any eye on all of your systems remotely, ensuring updates are installed as soon as they become available and monitoring for any breaches.
Train Your Employees
Train Your EmployeesA study by IBM revealed that more than half of all data breaches were the result of human error. Whether this is clicking on a malicious link in an email, using a weak password, or accessing sensitive company information through an insecure network, there are many ways employees can unintentionally cause a breach. It is important that you provide cyber security training for your staff and make them aware of your cyber security policies.
Backup Data
Backup DataThe best way to protect your business from a data breach it to ensure your systems and data are backed up on a regular basis. This way your systems can be quickly restored so that you can resume business as usual. Lost data caused by security breaches costs businesses millions of pounds each year. Make sure your data is safe with regular local and cloud backups.
Create An Access Control Policy
Create An Access Control PolicyEvery point of access poses a potential security breach. An access control policy manages who can access information, where and when. Your business can better maintain data, information and physical security from unauthorized access by creating a policy that limits access on an individualised basis. Providing different levels of access rights to all employees can help limit risk exposure and make it easier to monitor and maintain a robust security posture.
