14 Ways to Help Protect Your Business From A Cyberattack

Does your business have a cyber security plan in place? Did you know 1 in 5 small businesses will suffer a cyberattack in 2022? 97% of these breaches can be prevented with today’s technologies. This article will cover 14 ways you can prevent your business from being in the 20% of small businesses from who will have to deal with the expense and repercussions of an attack.

1) Security Assessment

A security assessment includes checking for vulnerabilities in your IT systems and business processes and following steps to lower the risk of future attacks. It’s important to establish a baseline, close any existing vulnerabilities and periodically reassess your security.

2) Security Awareness

Make sure all your users are properly trained. Make sure all your employees are aware of all policies regarding security, email attacks, and and  security policies and procedures.  Proper training  is a big step in preventing cyber attacks.

3) Firewall

A firewall is a computer security device that is placed between a business’s internal network and the internet. It can work at either the software or the hardware level to prevent unwanted outside access to the company’s computer system. It keeps destructive and disruptive forces out and controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security parameters that you can control and refine.

4) Encryption

Whenever possible, encrypt filed.  Encryption is especially critical to files not currently in use, files in motion(such as email), and files being sent from mobile devices of all users from your business

5) Passwords

Be sure to apply security policies to your business’s network. Several examples of this limit user access, set user screen timeouts and enable enhanced password policies.

6) Spam Email

Most cyberattacks originate in your email. Make sure you choose a service that is designed to reduce spam and lower your exposure to attacks on your staff via email.

7) Backups

Backups restore computer devices during disaster recovery and restore your data after files have either been damaged or deleted. Database backups are essential for protection against data loss that can completely disrupt business operations. A data backup is a must for any business.

8) Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication(MFA) adds an additional layer of protection to help ensure that even if your password is stolen, your data is still protected. You should utilize MFA whenever possible including on your network, on banking websites, and even social media applications.

9) Computer Updates

Keeping your operating system and any programs you use such as Adobe and Java products up to date helps provide better security. Old and outdated software is vulnerable to hackers and cybercriminals as updates help keep you safe from exploitable holes in your business’s computer systems.

10) Mobile Device Security

Today’s cybercriminals may attempt to steal data or gain access to the network by accessing your employees’ phones and tablets. They are counting on you to neglect this piece of the security puzzle. Having mobile device security helps close this gap.

11) Dark Web Research

Knowing what passwords and accounts that may have been posted on the dark web will help your company be proactive in preventing a possible data breach. The best security protocols include having someone scan the dark web and take action to help protect your business from stolen credentials.

12) Web Gateway Security

A secure web gateway is a cyber barrier or checkpoint that prohibits unauthorized traffic from entering your company’s network. The traffic that a secure web gateway governs is all inline.  A secure web gateway stands between all incoming and outgoing data.

13) Security Incident and Event Management(SIEM)

Security incident and event management (SIEM) is the process of identifying, monitoring, recording, and analyzing security events or incidents in real-time. It helps protect against advanced threats and meets your business’ compliance requirements.

14) Advanced Endpoint Detection & Response

Endpoint detection and response technology is used to identify suspicious behavior and advanced persistent threats on endpoints in an environment, and alert administrators accordingly. It does this by collecting and aggregating data from endpoints and other sources.

Computype IT Solutions in Belleville, IL can help make sure your company’s computers and network are safe from cyberattacks and ransomware attacks.  Contact us today at (618) 233-8500