The cost of cybercrime is predicted to hit $10.5 trillion by 2025. Just last year, security attacks increased by 31%.
For businesses, these statistics are scary. But, as hackers get smarter, technology does too.
This means companies can protect their data with the right protocols in place. Not sure how to improve cybersecurity in business? Keep reading to find out.
Use Endpoint Security Software
To improve cybersecurity in business, use endpoint security software. Use this software on every business computer and device. This ensures that no one accidentally installs viruses that harm your network.
If you currently have antivirus software and firewalls in place, they can offer protection, but not enough. Businesses should take the extra step if they want to enjoy optimal security.
Endpoint security software can seal up security holes that firewalls and antivirus software leave behind. They can act as security protection by patching up vulnerable software and detecting hacking attempts.
You can hire Microsoft consulting services to help ensure that security and privacy are an integral part of your software development.
This software will cost you more than a regular security suite. The price is an investment worth paying to secure your business.
Block Bad URLs
Cybersecurity attacks happen on the web more than anywhere else. An employee that opens an email with a bad link can download spyware onto your business system.
Legitimate-looking emails with supposedly important links, but are scams, are called phishing emails. These attacks are common and lead to sites that encourage people to enter their personal information to be stolen.
A phishing scam mimics credible sites like Google, PayPal, etc.
Blocking short URLs is a plausible step to improve cybersecurity. Short URLs like t.co, bit.ly, and tinyurl.com often lead to harmful links. Block any fishy websites or emails sent to your business as well.
Increase Password Strength
Protecting business data is as simple as increasing the strength of your passwords. Important websites ask you to choose a strong password for a legit reason.
Cybercriminals can target businesses with simple passwords just by guessing. They can also use software to guess a string of possible passwords. When this happens, cybercriminals can break into important business accounts.
Choose long passwords with lowercase letters, capital letters, symbols, and numbers. Encourage employees to do the same.
Backup With Cloud Storage and Physical Data
Another one of the common cyber threats is invading business data through a virus. This virus can corrupt and invalidate files making them impossible to recover or access. To get them back, you have to pay a ransom fee.
You can protect your business from ransomware by backing up files with cloud storage and physical data. Ransomware insurance is also helpful for businesses.
Companies use secure cloud storage to make automated backups. Even if your network is hacked, you can reset the system to get your files back.
Physical backups are also helpful. You can create backup routines to place valuable data on an external hard drive. Keep your physical storage extra safe by encrypting it.
Consider Access Management
If there are individual files you don’t want anyone, even employees, to see, implement access management.
You can use access management software to limit people from getting into your network. You can also customize the software to choose who can and cannot have access.
You don’t have to keep every employee out if you don’t want to. Protect critical business files from certain employees. Only provide access to data to those that need it.
Secure Business WiFi
Hackers can also execute cyber attacks on your business by gaining access to your WiFi network. It’s important that you secure your network.
Of course, you should require a strong password, but there is more that you can do for protection. Mask your SSID name and use WEP2 encryption to avoid attacks on your WiFi.
If your business offers WiFi to customers, do so with a separate network or router. Hackers won’t be able to access business data through a customer WiFi network.
Update Regularly
Security software updates are essential to protect your business data. Hackers attack vulnerable and outdated software programs. Without a regular update schedule, you might have exploitable software running on your computers.
Your IT team should carry out regular updates for everything. Software, drivers, and the overall security system all require updates.
You can set up automated updates before work hours. This keeps everything safe and doesn’t reduce business productivity.
Educate Employees
Human error is the main cause of cyber threats. When you hire a digital security team, they can educate and train your employees to follow safe practices.
Employee ignorance leads to clicking bad links or sending information to the wrong company. What may seem like a simple mistake can bring the entire company down.
You can’t blame employees if they don’t know what to look for. Provide your staff with regular notices on security.
Onboarding and employee training should always involve cybersecurity education. You can address updated security protocols in business meetings.
If a new cyber attack comes up, and they do often, your business could be at risk. Hackers are known for coming up with new ideas to steal data and personal information.
Improve Cybersecurity in Business Now
There is a prevalence of cyber attacks that laser focuses on businesses. Without the right security protocols in place, your company is vulnerable.
These tips will help you improve cybersecurity in business to avoid security breaches and keep your organization safe.
Start implementing these strategies now and don’t forget to come back for more blogs like this.
