In this fast-paced digital world, the threat of cyber-attacks inevitably increases. Protecting your business is more important than ever. As technology advances, so do the tactics of cybercriminals, forcing businesses to stay one step ahead in cybersecurity. In this article, we’ll delve into the best methods to help fortify your business against potential breaches and ensure the protection of your valuable assets and personal data.
The suspicious emails
Emails have long been a preferred method of cyberattacks, with phishing a popular technique used by cybercriminals. The purpose of these emails is to trick unsuspecting individuals into revealing sensitive information or downloading important files.
Here are some tips on how to recognize suspicious emails and what not to do if you receive one:
What a phishing scam looks like
New methods of phishing attacks are constantly being developed, but they share common traits that can be easily identified. There are many sites that will keep you informed of the latest phishing attacks and their key identifiers. Training your employees on cybersecurity best practices is essential. It includes how to identify suspicious emails and links, how to create strong passwords, and how to recognize and report cyber threats.
Do not click on an attached link
Hyperlinks can be a gateway to cyberattacks, leading users to unsecured websites or prompting them to download dangerous files. It is key to review links carefully before clicking on them. It is not recommended to click on an attached link in an email, even if you know the sender.
Do not provide sensitive/important information
Rule number 1, you should not volunteer your personal information such as debit/credit card, social security number, address, etc., unless you have 100% confidence in the site you are on.
Don’t give your information to an unsecured site
If the website URL does not start with “https” or you do not see a closed padlock icon next to the URL, do not enter any confidential information or download files from this site.
Change passwords regularly
If you have online accounts, you should make it a habit to change your passwords regularly to prevent an attacker from gaining unrestricted access. Try to include different combinations of upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters for maximum safety and security.
Keep your hardware up to date
A key aspect of cybersecurity is keeping your hardware up-to-date, and that doesn’t just mean enjoying the latest features and performance improvements. Outdated hardware can leave vulnerabilities that cybercriminals will use to gain unauthorized access to your network.
Use antivirus programs
A key prevention against cyber attacks is reliable antivirus programs, which play a key role in protecting your enterprise’s digital infrastructure.
The power of VPNs
As remote work becomes more common, ensuring the privacy and security of your business connections is paramount. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) offer a reliable solution by encrypting data and creating secure communication channels.
Encryption through secure file sharing solutions
A data breach can be catastrophic for a business, resulting in financial losses, reputational damage and legal consequences. Secure file sharing solutions provide a powerful secure mechanism by encrypting data and controlling access privileges.
Network Access Control
Network access control (NAC) is another important step in protecting your company from cyber attacks. NAC allows you to control who has access to your network by requiring users to authenticate themselves before gaining access.
Network Security Monitoring
Network Security Monitoring (NSM) involves monitoring your network for suspicious activity. It may include monitoring for unusual traffic. NSM can be performed in a variety of ways, including through the use of intrusion detection systems (IDS) and security information and event management (SIEM) software. These tools allow you to monitor network traffic for signs of suspicious activity, such as unusual data transfer patterns or access attempts from unknown IP addresses. By detecting and responding to suspicious activity in real time, you can help prevent a cyber attack before it causes significant damage to the company.