When it comes to protecting your business, digital security is the concern of the century, which is why it’s hardly surprising that some business leaders are starting to view modern technology as a necessary evil, rather than an enabler of growth and success. After all, protecting your business’ digital assets has become more than a full-time job and needs to be considered with every new technology implementation. Fortunately, with the right help and team of experts on your side, cybersecurity and smooth IT operations don’t have to be a constant headache & concern.
IT’S TIME TO MOVE BEYOND PASSWORD-BASED SECURITY
For most business owners, their company’s account securities don’t mean anything beyond having a semi-secured password. However, new methods and devices have entered the scene in recent years to add extra layers of protection. Given the rise of social engineering scams carried out to dupe employees and victims into giving away such information, it’s essential that your business doesn’t rely entirely on passwords for protection.
Instead, businesses need a multilayered and monitored approach to cybersecurity that integrates additional authentication methods. Some examples include biometrics like fingerprint scanners and facial recognition, or one-time verification codes sent to a trusted device such as a smartphone or tablet.
AWARENESS TRAINING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER
Humans have long been the weakest link when it comes to digital security. The fact that the most popular password in the world has been “123456” for several years in a row is a testament to how naïve many people are when it comes to securing their online accounts. Many smartphone users don’t even use a PIN code or fingerprint lock, potentially leaving their entire digital lives up for grabs by anyone who has access to their device.
When it comes to the business world, unsecured devices are stepping stones to massive data breaches and reputational meltdowns. As such, every business leader should implement an ongoing security awareness training program that educates staff on current best practices as directed by their managed IT services provider.
IT SOLUTIONS NEED TO BE SECURE BY DESIGN
When implementing new software or integrating new systems, most business leaders think only about functionality and how a particular solution will make their organizations more profitable. That’s all well and good, except for the fact that this approach neglects the importance of security. Often, security measures are simply tacked on at the end, rather than built in from the very start.
Business leaders, developers, and systems integrators alike need to get out of this mindset to instead ensure that their systems are secure by design. Business leaders themselves also need to start thinking of cybersecurity not as a necessary evil, but as a core enabler of corporate success.
DATA BACKUP NEEDS TO BE A BUSINESS PRIORITY AND A GIVEN
The last few years have seen a surge of cyberextortion as ransomware developers take to dark web marketplaces to enroll other, less technically minded criminals into their scams. Although ransomware generally doesn’t involve the theft of data, it can bring a company to its knees, as many victims found out in the WannaCry and Petya attacks (and countless more) back in 2017.
If you have all your data correctly backed up, then even a successful ransomware infection should cause minimal disruption. To secure your mission-critical apps and data, you should consider migrating backups to a managed cloud backup solution where your digital assets will be stored in a cutting-edge data center rather than on vulnerable local servers, and monitored for any failures.
SOCIAL ENGINEERING REMAINS THE MOST COMMON ATTACK
While vulnerabilities in technology have always been a huge problem, many cybercriminals are shunning conventional hacking methods in search of easier alternatives. In most cases, that’s human ignorance and lack of proper protection.
Even with monthly security awareness training events, many people can’t break their poor cybersecurity practices and are easily duped into surrendering confidential information like login credentials. Your team should be protected by spam filters, intrusion prevention systems, and any other solution that attempts to prevent unconventional cyberattacks.
Solutions Squad Inc. has been helping companies reduce and mitigate risk through reliable security, network monitoring, and maintenance plans since 2005.
You can get in touch with Solutions Squad today to learn how we can prepare your business for innovation-driven success by going to https://solutionssquad.com or calling (305) 677-2389.
