Key Steps to Help Your Business Avoid Cyber Attacks !
Security is of the utmost importance to all businesses today . With the use of many applications , with any devices , information , and transactions literally at your fingertips , it is imperative that your business have the awareness to put safeguards in place to limit your risks .
There are 82,000 NEW malware threats being released every single day , and HALF of the cyber-attacks occurring are aimed at small- and medium-sized businesses . Here are a few key steps to help your business stay secure :
1 . Educate employees and implement an Acceptable Use Policy ( AUP ). The # 1 Security Threat to any Business is ... You ! Like it or not , almost all security breaches in business are due to an employee clicking , downloading or opening a file that ’ s infected . And , spam filtering and antivirus software cannot protect your network if an employee downloads a virus . That ’ s why it is critical that you educate all of your employees on how to spot an infected email or online scam . The next precaution is implementing an Acceptable Use Policy ( AUP ), which outlines how employees are permitted to use company-owned PCs , devices , software , Internet access and email . Having this type of policy is particularly important if your employees are using their own personal devices and home computers to access company email and data .
2 . Require strong passwords and passcodes to lock mobile devices . Passwords should be at least eight characters and contain lowercase and uppercase letters , symbols and at least one number . On a cell phone , requiring a passcode to be entered will go a long way toward preventing a stolen device from being compromised .
3 . Keep your network and all devices patched and up to date . New vulnerabilities are frequently found in common software programs you are using , such as Adobe , Flash or QuickTime ; therefore , it ’ s critical you patch and update your systems and applications when one becomes available .
4 . Deploy a business class firewall . A firewall acts as the frontline defense against hackers , blocking everything you haven ’ t specifically allowed to enter ( or leave ) your computer network . But all firewalls need monitoring and maintenance , just like all devices on your network , or they are completely useless .
5 . Have an excellent backup of computers and systems . Backups have saved many companies from losing data and can prevent a disaster situation from even the most aggressive ransomware attacks . A good backup will also protect you against an employee accidentally ( or intentionally ) deleting or overwriting files , natural disasters , fire , water damage , hardware failures and a host of other data-erasing disasters .
About the Author : Michael P . Mandato is Executive Vice President at System C . A . R . E Inc . System C . A . R . E Inc . is a full-service Information Technology company specializing in Computer and Network Managed Services for business offices that depend on Information Technology hardware , software , and communication tools to operate their business .
Visit www . systemcareinc . com for more information .
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