We'll be honest, improving cyber defenses can be daunting task for a small business like yours. All those mitigation technologies and digital defense agencies seem so pricey and complicated. Still, you know something needs to be done to insulate your organization against hackers and data breach.
Thankfully, there are plenty of low-cost ways to sure up your defenses. Here are some helpful hints to improve your company's protection against cyberattacks.
Using Redundant Passwords: So, you've come up with a really good password. It has plenty of numbers, symbols and capitalized letters to throw off a brute force attack. That's great! The only problem is that you use it everywhere.
Hackers are well aware that most web users employ the same password for multiple sites and services. When they confirm a password, they test it to see what else they can access; including online banking accounts, professional email servers and private data storage. Remember, your passwords need to be both difficult and unique.
Not Changing Default Passwords: Wi-Fi routers and Internet of Things technologies usually come with default passwords. The trouble is many people fail to update hardware with new sign-in credentials. This makes it easy for hackers to compromise those devices. Pro tip: Always change default passwords!
Opening Spam Emails: Spam and phishing email scams have been around since the earliest days of the World Wide Web. The reason for their longevity is their stunning 45 percent success rate. In fact, experts found 91 percent of cyberattacks start with a phishing email. The message is clear - train your staff to identify and avoid these harmful communications.
Sharing Private Information Over the Phone: Social engineering scams coax employees into sharing personal or private business information with hackers. These cons can be very effective, which is why you need to train your employees to identify warning signs early on. Beware of requests for remote access to computers and Social Security numbers.
Saving Data to an Unprotected Cloud: Cloud services make it simple to share files and data with co-workers anytime, anywhere. Sadly, malicious actors can access them if they lack the proper encryption or password protections. This could lead to stolen customer data, loss of valuable information and cyber extortion. Remember, the cloud is only as safe as you tell it to be.
Forgetting to Reclaim Devices from Terminated Employees: Firing an employee is never pleasant, but it's sometimes necessary. Revoking their access to any and all business accounts, updating passwords and reclaiming digital devices are also necessary steps. Otherwise, you could risk backlash from a disgruntled former employee.
Foregoing Cyber Insurance: Small businesses struck by cyberattacks and data breach often face crippling financial damages, class-action lawsuits and sometimes even bankruptcy. Luckily it doesn't have to be this way.
Protect your organization disastrous external cyberattacks and silly internal mistakes with cyber policy insurance from a reputable provider. Don't know where to start? Visit CyberPolicy for more information and a free insurance quote today!