10 Cybersecurity tips to protect your business online

We often get approached by new and existing customers asking how to best protect their business from the rising number of cyber threats. With the number of cyberattacks increasing exponentially and the damage they do to businesses; it would appear that Cybersecurity is now a top priority across companies and boards.

If truth be told, every business can do simple things to protect their business from cyber-threats and cyber-attacks. More often than not, it’s the careless aspects of behaviour and systems that expose the vulnerable aspects to a would-be hacker and it is those that they exploit.

10 tips to improve your cybersecurity

1. Backups: You’d think this was something every person would think of right? But surprisingly it’s one of the top things to not have in place. Moreover, it is staggering how many people think they have backups of their data but have never tested their recoverability. So get this checked and implemented. Ensure that someone is checking your data and systems are backed up but more importantly can be recovered.

2. Strong Passwords: A strong and robust password policy can make initial guesswork that much more difficult for would-be hackers. Using 12 characters that are alphanumeric with symbols and then ensuring a password change is required every 30 to 90 days is a good start

3. MFA: Multifactor authentication must go hand in glove with password policies. It is a strongly recommended capability that should be implemented to avoid people accessing your applications or services with just a password alone.

4. Encryption: Services such as Office365 allow you to encrypt email as standard and so file, storage and data encryption must be something that is adopted and implemented on a needs basis. It does require management and will change processes in how you deal with data but that slight change means you have made it that much harder for people to make use of data.

5. Anti-virus / Anti-malware: Having a robust and updated anti-virus solution is key to ensuring you reduce the risk of viruses and malware causing issues. There are several excellent solutions in the market that provide varied protective capabilities and finding the right one is a simple tasky

6. Web Filtering: A web filter is essentially a form of protection that stops internet browsing or internet communication from your network. It is a vital and a recommended component in your overarching cyber-threat toolset.

7. Firewalls and VPN: Essential to keeping your networks protected and to ensure people only allowed can access your internal networks. They are also key in monitoring and controlling what information can leave the network.

8. Wi-Fi Security: Whilst often an implement-and-forget technology it can prove to be an Achilles heel if not managed correctly. Ensuring you have the right level of access security on the network can keep would-be attackers out.

9. Software Updates: Keeping your software and systems updated is key to addressing vulnerabilities from the software. Having a documented process that is partially automated can go a long way in addressing issues that would otherwise lay dormant.

10. User training: We are only as good as our actions and behaviour. Assuming your employees are trained or aware of how to limit cyber-threats is key. Regular training and team-based comms on what to do and not to do is vital

As a business owner, you cant assume that you will not suffer from a cyber attack. A staggering statistic from 2018 showed that 50% of all businesses had suffered a cybersecurity breach in the past 12 months.

As you can see, no entity is immune from cyber-attacks regardless of its size or scale. But all businesses can reduce their risk exposure by taking simple cybersecurity strategies to help protect their company and its assets.

Teck Genius can offer a host of services ranging from cybersecurity audit to managed security services. For more information about what we can do for you please contact us here.