Few things can derail a successful business faster than well-executed cyberattack. Because of this, it’s essential that you take significant measures to improve network security and prevent cyber attacks.
Businesses and organizations need to protect their data from the many cyber vulnerabilities that exist, and that starts with a well-planned strategy. This blog post will explain 7 ways to best prevent cyber attacks in 2020.
Contrary to popular belief, hackers can target businesses of any size, even if you are a small business, you should have a plan for protecting your organization to prevent cyber attacks before it is too late.
In fact, SMBs and similar entities are just as likely to face a cyber attack!
A lack of adequate resources to monitor and maintain cyber security initiatives is typically what makes SMBs so vulnerable to attacks along with a lack of knowledge on how to prevent an attack and mitigate cyber threats.
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7 Methods to Prevent Cyber Attacks on Your Business
Luckily, we’re here to help your business be prepared for the inevitable. Below are the 7 key strategies we recommend you to use to protect your SMB or organization from cyberattacks in 2020.
1. Use Multi-Factor Authentication
One of the most effective ways to prevent cyber attacks is to ensure that multi-factor authentication has been enabled for all applications that access the internet in your organization.
Having only a password login for employees is not enough. If employee passwords are compromised through a hack or through a phishing scam, cybercriminals may be able to easily access your systems.
Enabling a multi-factor authentication process for logins instead will require employees to provide several pieces of information instead of just one. As a result, security will be heightened. It will be much more difficult for any unauthorized person to access your systems.
2. Create Robust Internal Controls
To prevent cyber attacks in your organization it’s also crucial that you have robust internal controls in place. Access controls will help ensure that system access is updated immediately once employees, contractors, and vendors leave your organization.
Controlling access for your system is essential for cyber attack prevention. When someone leaves your organization you need to revoke access for security reasons. If you don’t revoke the access of former employees, contractors, and other relevant parties, they may be able to access your system later on.
By monitoring who has access to your systems, you’ll ensure greater security and will prevent security threats and potential problems in the future.
3. Responsibilities of Third-Party Security
If you want to prevent cyber attacks and security threats, it’s also critical that you take measures to manage third-party cyber risk.
It’s important to understand the responsibilities you have when it comes to third-party security. If there are any vendors or third parties who need to access your system, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks and to ensure heightened security.
Creating tight security controls, identifying potential cyber threats, and monitoring your network are all crucial to ensuring your system is secure. Be sure that you fully understand your responsibilities. You need to prevent third-party vulnerabilities if you want to make sure your business is as secure as possible.
4. Educate Your Employees
Employee education is also one of the biggest keys to improving business security.
You need to conduct thorough cybersecurity awareness training when onboarding new employees. You should also provide extra training at regular intervals. Holding annual training sessions can help ensure that your entire staff is aware of how to guard against security threats.
It’s also important to educate your employees about phishing. Ensure that your employees know what are and what aren’t considered normal requests via email and other correspondence methods.
By having a well-informed team, you’ll be able to create a business that is much more secure overall.
5. Create Data Backups
It’s also important that your organization makes regular backups of important business data. Backing up your data is an essential part of keeping your business going strong. It’s an important measure to take to avoid a worst-case scenario in which your crucial business data is lost.
While the other actions you take to prevent security threats should be enough to protect your business, sometimes no matter what measures you take breaches still happen. As a result, you may find that data has been erased or corrupted due to a cyber attack.
By creating regular data backups you’ll ensure that no matter what happens your business won’t be at a total loss. You’ll prevent your business operations from being stalled. You’ll be able to get back on track more easily after a cyberattack or security breach occurs.
6. Keep Your Systems Updated
Keeping your systems and business software up-to-date is also a critical part of protecting your business. Your systems should always be running the latest software if you want your data to be secure.
While some business owners get frustrated at the need for constant updates, they’re necessary. New problems and vulnerabilities will come up in business software from time to time. Updates exist to patch software vulnerabilities and to guard against potential security threats.
There are sometimes significant expenses associated with updates to software and hardware. Yet, the result is usually well worth it. Not updating your system and its software regularly will leave your system vulnerable to threats. Your business may experience significant setbacks as a result.
7. Install Antivirus Software and a Firewall
One final step that you need to take to prevent security breaches and cyberattacks is to install antivirus software. You should install antivirus software on every computer that your business has and you should update it regularly. You should also ensure that a firewall is in place.
Having antivirus software and a firewall alone isn’t enough to fully protect your business from security threats. However, used with the other strategies listed above, you’ll be able to create an integrated approach to system security.
Learning How to Prevent Cyber Attacks on Businesses
Cyber attacks are very common. We are available and ready to help you prevent attacks to your business in the future!
If you’re trying to figure out how to prevent cyber attacks for your business, then you need to make sure you take the tips above and contact us. Using these strategies can be incredibly helpful for safeguarding your business network and preventing security threats.
Looking for help improving business security? Contact us now to learn more about what we can do to prevent cyber threats and avoid future cyber attacks.