Secure Your Business | How To Protect Against Cyber Attacks

Nobody wants to have to deal with a cyber attack, but they are a real risk for every business — no matter how big, small, rich or successful they might seem. And the truth is, multi-billion dollar companies and organizations are being attacked on a daily basis, and valuable customer data is being accessed and lost each and every time.

Hackers are always looking for new ways to access your organization’s sensitive data, which means your business is likely a easy target for them to simply play around and mess with. Should they be successful, then every potential danger and security threat is likely headed your way.

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Of course, prevention is better than cure, and there are some simple steps you can take to secure your business against online threats.

So read on to find out how to protect against ransomware, malware and other online attacks.

Scam Emails

Opening a link in a scam email could infect your computer or network with a virus, or it might direct you to a fake website asking you to input bank details or login credentials.

You can prevent this by not clicking on unexpected links and downloads in emails, even if they appear to be from someone you know. Make sure that your anti-virus software is up to date and that you backup your data regularly to help minimize the effects if you do get caught by one of these attacks.

Ransomware

Ransomware attacks are a type of cyber attack where your data is encrypted by hackers who then demand a ransom in return for its release. It may come through a phishing email or a vulnerability in outdated software and can be devastating to a business.

It’s important to make sure you keep your software and systems updated to prevent this kind of ‘back door’ access. And keeping an offline copy of your data will give you something to fall back on if you do get caught by a ransomware attack.

Banking Virus

This type of attack aims to gain access to your online bank accounts by stealing your login information and security codes. The viruses are often spread by email, directing you to a fake website which asks for your login details.

Limiting the number of people who have access to your banking details and making sure that they have been trained in online security can help you avoid being caught out by this type of attack.

Many banks also offer 2-factor authentication, which requires you to input a code generated on your phone or a card reader to complete login. Switching this on can also help to make your bank account more secure.

Sharing Sensitive Information

Your business probably uses various software packages, and some of these may also be cloud-based or online systems.

Make sure these systems are trustworthy before giving them access to your sensitive information such as banking details or financial data. You should check which permissions you will need to grant them, and understand what files they are able to access.

This is especially true with account information such as passwords, and making sure all of them are as secure as possible. Even if you have a a password that is pretty complex, it’s still a good idea to switch things up every once in a while, as new security hacks and database leaks are happening to organizations and companies of all sizes.

The best way to keep your personal information safe and secure, it to consistently keep them updated every 30-60 days.

Malware

Malware is short for ‘malicious software’ and it is created to damage, steal or destroy data.

It is often sent as an email attachment or by directing you to a fake website which downloads the software to your PC. Malware can spread across your computer network, infecting it with spyware or ransomware and accessing your commercially sensitive data.

A good security program, such as the one provided by VIPRE, which includes anti-virus protection can help to prevent this type of attack, along with taking care over clicking on links in emails.

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Keeping Your Business and Company Data Safe in 2021

No matter what year it is, there are always going to be dangers lurking in the shadows of the internet. And even more terrifying, is that they are right in the face of every day users on a daily basis — while most just aren’t noticing it.

This ultimately leads to more potential leaks, security disasters and stolen information day after day, and without the necessary precautions and security measures in place, these harmful attacks will continue.

To implement the best security and protection methods for your business and brand, be sure to have a high-performance monitoring system that is working 24 hours per day. It’s also important to make sure your team members and work-from-home employees are following these same best practices.

It’s one thing to protect your business and company data at its main core, but it’s also important to make sure all other openings for access are covered as well. (Source: thetechrim)

Happy learning!

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