Cybersecurity threats are all around us. Hackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities in your computer systems and networks, looking to steal your data, your money, or cause other damage. Like a building needs a good security system to protect it, so you need cybersecurity to protect computer systems against online threats.
Back up your data regularly
It is important to back up your data regularly, so you have copies of your data in case something happens to your computer. You can back up your data online, or you can make copies of your files on an external hard, external SSD, flash, or CD drive. You can back up your data automatically using the backup feature in your operating system or by using a cloud storage service such as Dropbox or Google Drive. This not only protects your system against accidental loss but also against deliberate attacks that could cripple your system, by having everything backed up so it can be restored if needed.
Train your employees on cyber security
As a business owner, you have a duty to protect the sensitive data of your customers and employees. One of the best ways to do this is to provide your employees with regular cyber security training. By investing in regular cyber security training for your employees, you are giving them the tools they need to protect your customers’ data. You will also be raising awareness among your employees about the importance of cyber security so that they can spot potential cyber security issues before they become a problem.
Invest in business cyber security
The best cybersecurity strategy involves a strategic mix of technology and people. This will be different for each organization. For some, it means getting top-notch cyber security services to assess the threat landscape and create a strategy; for others, it will mean deploying the latest antivirus software; and for still others, it will mean strengthening their data security protocols with a few low-cost updates. No silver bullet exists, but the right approach will address the unique challenges your organization faces. However, whatever approach you use will require a worthwhile investment in time and money.
Set up data encryption
Encrypting data helps keep your files safe from prying eyes. It is especially important for data that is valuable to criminals. With encryption, the data is converted into a form that is unreadable without the proper key. You should encrypt your data if it is stored on your computer, or even if it is stored in the cloud. There are many ways to set up encryption, and the best way for you depends on your needs and your comfort level with the technology. Having some form of encryption will always improve your cyber security.
Keep an eye on the online activities of your staff
As an employer, you need to make sure your employees are working hard and doing their jobs. Part of this includes keeping an eye on their online activities. If an employee is spending time on Facebook instead of working, for example, you can act if needed. This will not only help you to ensure they are working hard and doing the right thing but also it will help make sure they are not visiting any sites that pose potential security risks such as phishing sites, or accidentally downloading malicious software. Even when online employee activities are legitimate, they could still pose a security risk if not properly monitored.
Set up cyber security policies to guide your staff
Your business needs a cyber security framework to protect its data and its customers. Policies provide a straightforward way to lay out guidelines for your employees to follow. You can start by creating a basic policy about your expectations for using strong passwords and not sharing passwords with colleagues. You can then build on that policy over time to address more complex topics such as when to report a cybersecurity breach or how to respond to a phishing email. Cyber security policies help your staff to understand their responsibilities and keep your business safe and secure.
Cyberattacks have become increasingly sophisticated and frequent. No business or individual is immune to these threats. Even the most secure networks can be breached but it is a problem you can handle with the proper cyber security system in place.
