Cybersecurity Ventures expects global cybercrime costs to hit $8 trillion USD in 2023 and grow to $10.5 trillion by 2025. That’s alarming!
Organizations must have strong cybersecurity measures to ensure data is protected from unauthorized access.
Here are some cybersecurity best practices for 2023:
1. Understand Risks
As a business, you need to be prepared for any situation (In this case a cyberattack!) that might arise. Sun Tzu says, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” Knowing where attacks can come from is essential to battle them. Here are some common threats to be aware of:
- Malware, which includes ransomware, spyware, and viruses, is used to infect networks in order to access private data. This malicious software does its dirty work via malicious links in emails or on web pages.
- Phishing involves sending fraudulent emails that appear to be from a legitimate company. It lures victims into clicking fraudulent links so they can steal sensitive information. The email often communicates a sense of urgency.
- Man in the middle involves the cybercriminals hijacking a session between two people and stealing sensitive data. Common entry points include insecure networks and malware installed via phishing.
- Password attacks involve a hacker cracking your password with various programs and password cracking tools. Once they get your password, they have the keys to everything.
2. Training
Your staff is your first line of defense against cybercrime. Cybersecurity awareness training that highlights the dire consequences of security breaches is essential. To combat cybersecurity threats, your staff must be aware of them and what to do or not to do should they face an attack. Training that incorporates a testing element (i.e. Quiz) is highly recommended.
3. Device Management Software
This allows IT to monitor and control devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, that are connected to an organization’s network. It also allows IT to have more control over which third-party apps can be installed on devices.
4. Use a VPN
A virtual private network creates a safe, encrypted online connection and protects your online identity. Never use public Wi-Fi without using a VPN.
6. Update Software
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and software companies update their products when necessary. Don’t get caught with an old version of software with a known security risk.
7. Password Protection
Change passwords regularly and use strong alphanumeric passwords that are difficult to crack. Do not use the same password twice and refrain from picking a password that’s so complicated you might forget it.
8. Scrutinize Emails and Texts
Don’t open emails from people you don’t know. Don’t click on links in texts. Period!
9. Use Two-Factor or Multi-Factor Authentication
With two-factor authentication, users are required to provide two different authentication factors to verify themselves. In multi-factor authentication, a user is asked for more than two additional authentication methods.
10. Back Up Data
Regularly back up your data. It’s recommended to have three copies of your data on two different media types and another copy in an off-site location (cloud storage). If a cyberattack occurs, you can erase your system’s data and restore it with a recently performed backup.
As the risk of falling victim to a cyberattack continues to grow, you need to be prepared to defend your business network against a data breach.
Cybersecurity can be challenging for businesses, especially for those with limited budgets.
If you’d like to discuss outsourcing cybersecurity via Managed IT, Higher Information Group can help. Outsourcing allows you to focus on your business, knowing that professionals are on top of protecting your business from cyber-attacks.
