Cybersecurity is a global business concern. While privacy and data protection laws and requirements have made it mandatory for companies to have a cybersecurity policy, it is not about just compliance. Hackers and cybercriminals need just one vulnerability, and they can cause massive damage via varied means and methods. No wonder, we still hear of phishing, vishing, and malware scams every now and then. So, how do you protect your business? We have an overview below of the basic cybersecurity measures.
Update everything regularly
Manufacturers and developers release updates and patched versions of their software, firmware, and other programs from time to time, and these updates are important for a reason. The idea of an update is to fix any bug, vulnerability or flaw, which may be misused by hackers. Make sure that all software, operating systems and firmware are updated on a regular basis. Also, if you have old and unused legacy software on company devices and networked resources, get rid of them immediately.
Focus on encryption and passwords
There are varied ways to ensure passwords are protected and safe. Firstly, all passwords need to be strong and long. Recommend employees to use a password management tool, to create, retrieve and store passwords, and it is important to use special characters and passphrases. Passwords should never be reused, even if it’s a strong one. For privilege users and selected devices and networks that store sensitive information, consider using an extra form of encryption. This could be a security question, or the user may be prompted to type an OTP sent to their phone.
Check access rights regularly
Often, employees who don’t need access to certain devices and systems have access to them. This can be highly dangerous and leaves room for security breaches. Many companies now have a clear and transparent platform for access right management, and this could be a good investment. Ideally, access rights should be monitored, edited, changed, and removed, in real time, as and when needed.
Watch out for insider threats
In recent years, a considerable number of cybersecurity incidents have been traced back to insiders and employees. It is absolutely wise and necessary to train employees on various methods to take security to the next level. Ensure that every person using IT resources is aware of the consequences of his actions and has a clear idea of his responsibilities.
Employee training is critical for success of your cybersecurity measures.
