Data breaches have become all too common in recent years, with high-profile companies like Yahoo!, Target, and Equifax all falling victim to hackers. This has many businesses and individuals asking the question: how can we keep our information secure? Here are 8 ways to make sure your business data stays safe and sound.
1. Find a Way to Secure Unsecured Networks
One of the best ways to keep your information and data secure is to encrypt it. This makes it much harder for hackers to access your information, as they would need to decrypt the data before being able to read it. Encrypting your data also makes it unreadable to anyone who doesn’t have the key needed to decode it. This extra step can protect your information if your computer or device is lost or stolen.
Many people find themselves asking key questions such as what is ssh for information management? If this sounds like you, then you are on the right path toward making sure all of your networks are secure. The landscape of cyber security is always changing, so consulting with the right professionals in the field will help you to stay on top of the latest developments.
As technology evolves and grows, so do the methods used by hackers and cybercriminals. That’s why it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest threats so you can be sure you’re taking steps to protect against them. The best way to do this is by subscribing to a reputable cyber security news source or attending industry events – that way you can stay on top of the latest threats and learn about new ways to protect your business’s information from them.
2. Make Sure Your Own Network Is Secure
Cybersecurity is a growing field of knowledge within the world of technology. This is mostly because the number of cyber threats and attacks is growing by the day. Staying on top of your information is a matter of ensuring that all aspects of your network remain secure from cyber attacks.
You can install filters on all of your networks to help your team avoid phishing attempts. Company email inboxes are often a battleground for scammers of all kinds, so being sure your team is briefed on some common scamming attempts will help them avoid trouble. Having the right filters in place will also help you stay focused and safe online.
3. Put Up Firewalls and Maintain Them
A firewall blocks unauthorized traffic from accessing your network. This extra layer of security can help prevent cyber attacks and protect your sensitive data. The right firewall will act as a bulwark between your data and the prying eyes of hackers.
When searching for a firewall, try to find one that can achieve many different functions. You may need to do some research and speak with a professional cyber security company to locate a solution that meets your needs and aligns with your budget.
4. Secure Every Individual Computer
Taking care of your information is no longer as simple as setting up a firewall. While this is a necessary step to take, you must also be certain that your hardware is secure as well. Threats to your network are a major concern, but you also don’t want to rule out the possibility of internal threats and information leaks. Securing each and every device on your campus dramatically reduces the chances of these kinds of security breaches and creates greater security across the board.
Going through every device on your network and securing it is well worth your time. You should also be mindful of mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones too, as these are no longer immune to hacking and phishing attempts from bad actors. Securing these devices will reduce the chances of a data breach and build consumer confidence in your brand’s ability to handle sensitive information.
5. Use Strong Passwords and Change Security Keys Often
This one should go without saying, but it’s important to use strong passwords for all of your business’s accounts – and to make sure those passwords are different for each account. Hackers are often able to gain access to company accounts by using password spraying, which is a method of trying commonly used passwords until one works. By using strong, unique passwords, you can make it much harder for hackers to gain access to your accounts.
You should also strive to have your team change passwords often. Sadly, it’s not enough to have complex passwords anymore. You also need to be sure that they are on a schedule for changes so that if there is a break in your security, things don’t get out of hand.
6. Implement Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (or 2FA) is an additional layer of security that requires users to verify their identity using two different factors – typically something they know (like a password) and something they have (like a physical token or their mobile phone). This makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to your accounts, even if they have your password, as they would also need possession of the physical token or mobile phone in order to log in.
With 2FA in place, you can rest easy, knowing that all of your log-ins are much more secure. You may even want to make 2FA a requirement for anyone on your team with access to sensitive data. Putting these measures in place, while time-consuming at first, will pay dividends in keeping you safe over the long run.
7. Educate Your Employees About Cyber Security Threats
Your employees are one of your biggest assets – and also one of your biggest vulnerabilities when it comes to cyber security threats. Be sure to educate them about the importance of cyber security and what they can do to help keep your business’s information safe.
Be diligent in teaching your employees things like never sharing passwords, not downloading attachments from unknown email addresses, and being careful about what information they share on social media can go a long way in keeping your business’s information secure from cyber threats.
Make sure your employees are aware of the importance of data security and know what steps they can take to keep your information safe. Hold regular training sessions and make yourself available to answer any questions they may have. Taking these extra steps could be pivotal in preventing a cyber security threat on your network.
8. Update Your Technology
Frugality is often prized, especially in a business environment where expendable cash is low. However, your desire to save a few bucks could end up costing you way more down the line. If all of your technology is old and outdated, then it is far more susceptible to breaches of security.
Update your technology to newer devices and software, and you will give hackers a much smaller attack surface. If you are on a budget, then do the process piece by piece, starting with the technology that is most critical to your performance.
Keeping your information secure is an ongoing battle. New threats are always popping up on the horizon and evolving. Continue to do your best research and stick to the tips above to mitigate issues with your data and keep your sensitive information safe from malicious entities.
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