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How to Avoid a Cyber Calamity in Your Business

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With the rise in online activity, such as online sales and home working due to the pandemic, means you are more vulnerable to cyberattacks. This is because there are more payments being made online, sensitive customer and business information is being shared and stored and online communication is being utilized. Learning how to avoid cyber calamity is vital to secure all aspects of your business. 

Hackers are incredibly sophisticated and are always devising new ways to invade systems. If you get hacked, it could mean that unauthorized people gain access to sensitive information, intellectual property can be stolen, business systems can be damaged, your business integrity can be called into question and much more. 

Whether you have an in-house IT team or managed IT services, it is important to equip yourself and your staff with the tools and information to help prevent a cyber attack from occurring and prepare everyone on how to use the proper safety measures and protect data. 

#1 Invest in a Secure Network 

While no one is completely immune to cyber attacks, a secure network can certainly provide an extra layer of protection for your business, regardless of how big or small it is. A secure network is private and has infrastructure that protects you from spyware and reduces vulnerabilities, as it provides several layers of encryptions. 

#2 Anti-Virus Software 

Anti-virus software can provide extra layers of protection from unwelcome hackers and data breaches by detecting and removing malicious activity, code, viruses, and a range of malware you are vulnerable to. You cannot always see malware, which is why anti-virus software is vital to protect your devices from being infected. 

#3 Keep software up-to-date 

When you do not update your software, you leave yourself vulnerable and open to cyber attacks. This is relevant for all software, not just any malware software you may have. Any application you use within your business requires regular updates. Make sure the time is taken to update them accordingly, which will help them to operate as securely as possible. 

#4 Use unique passwords 

Passwords to your software, business applications, and even the WiFi, should be unique and strong. Never use the suggested password or something that is already used for multiple applications. Ensure all precautions are taken, including regularly updating your password and managing them in a secure system (not just in a random document on your computer).

#5 Don’t click on suspicious emails 

It has been reported that 74% of companies in the United States have been subject to a phishing attack. There are many different types of phishing attacks, which is why it is important to stay vigilant. Phishing emails are not always easy to spot, as some will impersonate well-known brands to lure you into clicking a link or handing over sensitive information. 

As internet usage increases in light of the pandemic, it appears phishing emails and text messages have only increased as a result. It is therefore important that business employees share insights into any suspicious activity, verifying the source before clicking any links or sharing information, and if in doubt, go directly to the source rather than clicking the links in the emails. 

Spending time and money on educating employees, trusted IT services, and security measures to protect your business and your customers is a worthwhile investment. 

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