Cyber security is a serious issue for businesses nowadays. The advancement of web and technology results in the progress of the skills of cons and hackers who can penetrate even the most secure online security system.
Start-ups and small businesses think that hackers only try to breach the security of large multinational companies. Hence, they tend to let down their guards and ignore scheduled system upgrades and patches. However, this simple mistake has already caused many small businesses to lose millions.
A regular hacker can steal information and bring down a cluster of small companies with just a click of a button. Moreover, no matter how small your business is, it’s imperative that you secure your online perimeters to keep hackers away from your files and out of your business entirely.
There are no cyber security systems that are completely risk proof. However, there are effective ways to ensure the protection of your company data from outsiders, aside from putting up the usual firewall and using passwords with interchanged symbols and letters.
Here are five must-do cyber security initiatives for your business today:
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Toggle1. Strictly follow scheduled systems checkup
Some businesses tend to delay scheduled systems checkup because of workloads and company deadlines. However, this practice may provide a window for hackers to breach your systems through outdated programs and apps.
Find the best and hire IT solutions in the Philippines to perform an inventory of all your assets and decommission old computers. Make a thorough check of all your company data, delete files that you no longer need, and encrypt sensitive data.
2. Use intrusion detection systems (IDS) and other cyber security tools
Firewalls had been broken into so many times over the years that it can no longer keep intruders out. Adopt an IDS, data loss prevention software, log analyzers, malware scanners, and patch managers that can monitor and detect irregularities in a network, such as suspicious log in patterns and server crashes.
3. Enforce strict security policies with affiliates and partners
Monitor your vendors’ log in practices, discuss with them your security policies, and make sure that they will strictly adhere to them.
According to a research conducted by an advanced security firm called SpiderLab, 81% of breaches and data loss were reported to have stemmed from third party vendors accessing the files via insecure connections and their other activities.
4. Employ a multifactor system in log-ins and registrations
Multifactor system is a system that requires any individual accessing the files to add another set of details to authenticate log-in, as this is the most secure option available as of the moment.
For the past years, web users have been led to believe that creating a complex password by combining characters, numbers, and symbols is the best way to ensure the security of your files. In fact, Apple products still require this log-in system from their users.
However, this practice is considered useless considering that hackers use sophisticated technology to break these kinds of codes. Don’t go for security questions for you to be able to retrieve your password either. This option will only make accessing your files and stealing valuable data easy for hackers.
Public key infrastructure system allows encrypted files to be decrypted only by those with a private key. It only works for users who are willing to go through the process of encrypting and decrypting certificates. This system can be effective as an internal practice, especially if your company has a BYOD system, but may not be sustainable to use with your clients.
5. Restrict user access and divide your network into segments
The largest threat to your online security is your staff. Whether they intend to or not, they can expose your company’s vulnerabilities to hackers. Restrict their access only to files that they need for their roles in the company and block them from files they have no business knowing.
Many companies simplify their network process by connecting all systems to only one computer device. Once a hacker penetrates that system, he/she can access everything else. So divide the system into as many segments as possible to avoid such incident.
Bonus! Invest in training programs and educate your team
Your team needs to understand and participate fully in the measures you’ve taken to secure your business from hackers. Inform them, train them, and equip them.
Cyber threat is not only confined within office hours but also extended to hours beyond. Employing safe computer practices at any given time will bring benefits to your company and for everyone in your team.
Vlad de Ramos has been in the IT industry for more than 22 years with focus on IT Management, Infrastructure Design and IT Security.
Outside the field, he is also a professional business and life coach, a teacher and a change manager.
Vlad has set his focus on IT security awareness in the Philippines and he is a certified information security professional, a certified ethical hacker and forensics investigator and a certified information systems auditor.
