As we wrap up another year, there’s no better time than now to reevaluate your business’s cybersecurity strategy. Over the past decade, cyber attacks have become increasingly common — and it’s not just large companies that are being targeted. Statistics show over half of all cyber attacks involve small businesses. To safeguard your business from cyber attacks in 2020, consider the five following tips.
#1) Use a Firewall
A firewall is arguably one of the most important tools to protect against cyber attacks. Not to be confused with anti-virus software, it’s designed to monitor, as well as filter, incoming and outgoing traffic. If the firewall detects suspicious activity, it will block the traffic so that it doesn’t harm your business’s information technology (IT) infrastructure.
#2) Update, Update, Update
In addition to using a firewall, updating all your business’s software apps to the latest version will lower the risk of a cyber attack. Hackers often use vulnerabilities in outdated software to infiltrate networks and devices. If your computer or device is running an outdated version of its operating system, for example, a hacker could infiltrate your computer or device by exploiting a vulnerability in the operating system.
#3) Use Two-Factor Authentication
When given the option, use two-factor authentication for your business’s password-protected accounts. What is two-factor authentication? Basically, it’s an extra layer of security that’s applied to a password-protected account. When enabled, you’ll have to enter your password while also providing an additional method of authentication, such as a PIN.
#4) Create Backups
It’s always a good idea to create regular backups. While backing up your business’s data won’t necessarily protect it from cyber attacks, it will mitigate the damage if an attack occurs. If you have a backup of your business’s data, you can restore it in the event of a cyber attack. Whether it’s ransomware or crypto-mining malware, creating regular backups will allow you to get your business’s IT infrastructure up and running with minimal downtime.
#5) Train Employees
Assuming your business has employees, you should train them on how to spot potential cyber threats as well as how to respond to cyber threats. Far too many business owners neglect to train their employees on the fundamentals of cybersecurity. As a result, they unknowingly expose their business’s IT infrastructure to common threats like malware and phishing scams. By training your business’s employees on how to spot and respond to cyber threats, you can rest assured knowing that your business’s IT infrastructure is better protected.
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