How To Protect Your Business From Cyber Threats

Developing an intelligent and focused network security plan can keep your business safe and secure from hackers. Thinking through any potential vulnerability is the first step to thwarting cyber threats.

Use these tips to protect your business network.

Encrypt Data

Social security numbers, credit card accounts and bank routing digits are precious, valuable data for cyber criminals. Switch on encryption tools to protect such data. These applications come standard with most operating systems. The process to enable this feature takes minutes and will encrypt each program and file on the drive. You won’t even have to worry about any performance drag during this procedure.

The main drawback of using this approach is that it only applies when users are not logged in to the computer. Cyber thieves and hackers can break through using malware and viruses. To work around this drawback computers should be set to log out 15 minutes after last being used.

Pay strict attention to these procedures or a cyber thief may have you and your business at their mercy. Hackers can breach security, encrypt data and ask for a ransom fee in exchange for the precious password. Follow these protocols diligently to avoid such a scenario.

Secure Your Offline Environment

Securing hardware is as critical as securing a virtual environment. Thieves typically target big ticket items like laptops and servers but will also run off with cell phones to boost their profit potential.

Some more brazen criminals are not frightened off by motion detectors of blaring alarms but are likely to find another location if you physically secure your business’ computers. Fasten computers to desks by looping a strong cable to the loop attached to most desktops and laptops. Even though this approach may not prevent burglars from tearing away precious hardware it may make them think twice about spending precious seconds to remove their intended booty.

Lock server room doors to keep criminals at bay. Servers can also be kept safe with locks. Consider using hardware-based encryption and USB security keys to secure your business environment.

Keep Your Network Locked

Use a wired network to repel hackers. If your business uses a WiFi network disable SSID on the router. Doing so hides your network to the average hacker. Local small retail businesses can use this approach and change log in data from time to time.

WiFi should have the latest encryption standards enacted. Use WPA2 and create a long, tough to crack password consisting of capital letters, special characters and numbers. This type of password, while not impossible to determine, will be difficult to crack, even for a complex computer program.

Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Protection

Use an anti-virus for Mac and windows to keep your business network secure. Downloading antivirus and anti-malware software helps protect your network against harmful spam or junk emails and phishing emails. This software can also prevent attacks in the form of apps that access social accounts like Facebook and Twitter as well as spoofing.