Unfortunately, cybercrime is a growth industry. In 2017, the cost of cybercrime globally was estimated at over $600 billion, and that number is only expected to rise. As a business owner in Oklahoma, it’s important to be aware of the risks posed by cyberattacks and to take steps to protect your business.
There are ten key things you can do to help keep your business safe from cyberattacks:
- Educate your employees about cybersecurity risks: Your employees are a key line of defense against cyberattacks. Make sure they know how to spot phishing emails and other common scams, and that they understand the importance of keeping passwords secure.
- Implement strong security measures: Use firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems to protect your network from attacks. Keep your systems up to date with the latest security patches. If possible, encrypt sensitive data.
- Back up your data: In the event of a successful attack, having backups in place will help you minimize the damage and get your business back up and running quickly.
- Monitor your network: Use tools like system logs and activity monitors to keep an eye on what’s happening on your network. This can help you spot suspicious activity and take steps to stop an attack before it does serious damage. For example, if you notice someone trying to brute force their way into your system, you can block their IP address before they have a chance to do any damage.
- Work with a managed IT provider: Partnering with a managed IT provider can help take the burden of managing your security off your shoulders. They can provide expert guidance on the best security measures for your business and help you implement them effectively.
- Have a response plan in place: If despite your best efforts, your business is hit by a cyberattack, having a plan in place for how to respond will help you minimize the damage and get back on your feet more quickly.
- Consider cyber insurance: Cyber insurance can help cover the costs associated with a successful attack, such as data recovery, business interruption, and legal fees. You can get quotes from a variety of providers to find the right policy for your business.
- Implement two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide a second factor, such as a code from a mobile app, in addition to their password. This makes it much harder for attackers to gain access to your systems.
- Train your staff: Make sure your employees know what to do in the event of a security breach. Holding regular training sessions can help ensure everyone is on the same page and knows what their role is in protecting your business.
- Review your policies and procedures: Periodically review your security policies and procedures to make sure they’re still effective. As your business grows and changes, your security needs will likely change as well.
Overall, the best way to protect your business from cyberattacks is to be proactive. Cybercriminals are constantly coming up with new ways to attack businesses, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest threats and take steps to mitigate them.