Key Steps to Help Your Business Avoid Cyber Attacks!
Security is of the utmost importance to all businesses today. With the use of many applications, with any devices, information, and transactions literally at your fingertips, it is imperative that your business have the awareness to put safeguards in place to limit your risks.
There are 82,000 NEW malware threats being released every single day, and HALF of the cyber-attacks occurring are aimed at small- and medium-sized businesses. Here are a few key steps to help your business stay secure:
1. Educate employees and implement an Acceptable Use Policy( AUP). The # 1 Security Threat to any Business is... You! Like it or not, almost all security breaches in business are due to an employee clicking, downloading or opening a file that’ s infected. And, spam filtering and antivirus software cannot protect your network if an employee downloads a virus. That’ s why it is critical that you educate all of your employees on how to spot an infected email or online scam. The next precaution is implementing an Acceptable Use Policy( AUP), which outlines how employees are permitted to use company-owned PCs, devices, software, Internet access and email. Having this type of policy is particularly important if your employees are using their own personal devices and home computers to access company email and data.
2. Require strong passwords and passcodes to lock mobile devices. Passwords should be at least eight characters and contain lowercase and uppercase letters, symbols and at least one number. On a cell phone, requiring a passcode to be entered will go a long way toward preventing a stolen device from being compromised.
3. Keep your network and all devices patched and up to date. New vulnerabilities are frequently found in common software programs you are using, such as Adobe, Flash or QuickTime; therefore, it’ s critical you patch and update your systems and applications when one becomes available.
4. Deploy a business class firewall. A firewall acts as the frontline defense against hackers, blocking everything you haven’ t specifically allowed to enter( or leave) your computer network. But all firewalls need monitoring and maintenance, just like all devices on your network, or they are completely useless.
5. Have an excellent backup of computers and systems. Backups have saved many companies from losing data and can prevent a disaster situation from even the most aggressive ransomware attacks. A good backup will also protect you against an employee accidentally( or intentionally) deleting or overwriting files, natural disasters, fire, water damage, hardware failures and a host of other data-erasing disasters.
About the Author: Michael P. Mandato is Executive Vice President at System C. A. R. E Inc. System C. A. R. E Inc. is a full-service Information Technology company specializing in Computer and Network Managed Services for business offices that depend on Information Technology hardware, software, and communication tools to operate their business.
Visit www. systemcareinc. com for more information.
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