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For most companies, malware is an unwelcome predator that could put their customers’ data and reputation at risk. Cyberattacks can come in many forms, but the end goal is always the same: to compromise a workstation and gain access to private information. To make it more difficult for others to upload destructive attacks, implement these 7 effective cybersecurity tactics now.
Table of Contents
1. Keeping Data Secure, Wherever You Access it From
Accessing data between computers in the same server is easy when you’re at the office but becomes impossible once you leave. While you and your employees can use Dropbox or other third-party software to send documents remotely, there is a massive security risk involved because these files may not be encrypted. However, a remote file server can keep employee and client data secure regardless if you’re accessing it remotely or internally. Plus, users can set up hybrid deployment between local servers and cloud storage to convert them to cloud-only.
2. Ensure All Systems are Up-To-Date
Hackers create new ways to access networks daily. Your system software will try to keep up with these new attack methods by updating their applications by removing a vulnerability or patching out a breech. To take advantage of these new security measures, you have to update the application yourself by remaining vigilant and leveraging a sophisticated patch management system. It’s a bad idea to keep software that you no longer use or plan to stop operating in the future because you’re less likely to update them and leave yourself open for a cyber attack.
3. Monitor Emails
92.4% of all malware attacks are delivered through email, so it’s integral that your company monitors email usage. Hackers could attach a malicious file or link to an email that will activate once the receiver clicks on the file, but some attacks can start after the email is opened. It’s essential to defend against email-based malware attacks by using an email security software.
4. Use Antivirus Software and Firewalls
If you don’t already use an antivirus software or have a firewall in place, you’ll leave your company open to a mass security breach. A firewall acts as a filtration system and scans through malicious code that is attempting to latch onto your computer. Firewalls won’t be able to filter out every single security threat, but an antivirus software can take care of the rest. When a virus is present on your computer an antivirus software will locate and destroy it. Keep both software on your computer at all times and update them frequently to stay protected.
5. Use Web Protection and Content Filters
Web protection software has a bad reputation because it’s associated with employers removing freedom from employees. When issued correctly, the software will only prevent employees from accessing websites that could contain spyware, malware, or other dangerous software. Content filters will identify the URL in real-time and block the website immediately if a threat is present.
6. Educate Employees and Customers on Cyberattacks
Most employees will have a general idea of how to avoid cybersecurity threats. For example, they likely know not to download using torrents, click unfamiliar links, or send documents over public Wi-Fi. Still, it’s necessary to remind all employees of this information just in case. Employers also need to expand on this topic because other threats may not be as apparent. On the other end, customers could receive a popup from an email you send that’s malicious. Let your customers know that’s likely a breach on their end, and encourage them to use caution.
7. Encrypt All Files and Folders
You won’t necessarily prevent malware attacks by encrypting your files and folders, but it will stop others from accessing private data within the network. Encryption scrambles sensitive data and makes these characters unreadable to hackers and other networks. If an attacker manages to enter the network via a cyberattack, they still won’t be able to access the document without a password. While encrypting data isn’t a failsafe, encryption adds an extra layer of security that will make the hackers’ attempts useless if all your other security measures fail.
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