With the advancements in technology, threats to information have been on the increase. From a small-scale business to multi-level corporations, each of them has the risk of getting their data and information leaked onto various platforms. Cyber threat is any unintentional activity performed to compromise, steal, extend, misuse data or applications using an unauthorized access to network, computer, or a digital advice.
Cyber threats poses a significant risk to businesses of all sizes, and awareness to these threats in the organization should be a crucial part of onboarding. However, cyber threats lead to financial, reputational and operational damage to businesses.
Cyber threats have been changing at a rapid pace as technology becomes vaster, the tactics and methods being used by cyber criminals have improved and changed. They make use of one computer, and/or an unauthorised network to hack one system or multiple systems at once.
Here are some of the best practices that should be performed to protect your business from cyber threats:
- Data Back Up:
One of the practices that should be performed in your business is backing up sensitive data. It is very important to create a backup of everything that is being done. In case of any cyber threat, the backed-up data is always secured in some place. There is a 3-2-1 rule for backing up data which suggests that there should be at least three copies of your data, where two of them should be stored in a different media, whereas the third one should be stored in an external device such as hard drive or an USB.
- Use Antivirus Software and Keep Them Up to Date:
Your business system should be equipped with an antivirus software, and it should always be up to date while using the system. There are several antivirus software that are available over the internet including McAfee, Bitdefender, and Avast one. These software help in improved functionality, and refining the security problems. Additionally, it is recommended to configure all software to install updates automatically.
- Educate and Train Your Staff:
It is very crucial to train employees of your company about the ongoing cyber threats and their ways to prevent them. They should be trained on basic internet usage to prevent it from cyberthreats. It has been noticed that 90% of cyber attacks start with a human error. Once employees are made aware of the risks and consequences of cyberthreats, it becomes difficult for hackers to gain access to sensitive information.
- Secure the Company’s Networks:
The company’s network should be information encrypted by making use of a firewall. In terms of usage of Wi-Fi, a wireless access point is needed to be set up so that the network name does not get broadcast–also known as Service Set Identifier (SSID).
- Enable Multi-factor Authentication:
Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) is a method to verify a person’s identity by asking them more information other than a typical username and password. There are different methods to be followed for MFA that includes users having a:
- Physical token or phone.
- Password, phrase and/or pin.
- Face identity or a fingerprint.
- Maintain Security Policies and Procedures:
Maintaining security policies and procedures holds an utmost importance in protecting your business from cyberthreats. This includes managing access controls, setting rules for password along with a policy to change the password after every three months, and develop a data protection plan in case of data breach.
The Edge Team
