The vast growth of digital services for businesses has seen an increased focus placed on the importance of cybersecurity. Defined as the process of safeguarding information and critical data online, cybersecurity is vital for businesses to protect sensitive data from both internal and external threats.
The three most common cyber threats are as follows:
- Malware: this includes any malicious software that aims to damage your computer, server or network. Spam emails and connecting to an infected device are examples of how the malicious software can enter your network.
- Ransomware: generally downloaded via infected emails, ransomware attacks hold a victim’s sensitive data (such as passwords, files, database information, etc) for ransom. Retrieving this information often involves paying a ransom to the hacker in order to prevent the information being leaked or destroyed.
- Phishing: this is when a hacker directly sends an email or text with a malicious link that intends to obtain sensitive information.
Businesses can minimise the risk of being victimised by cyber attacks by implementing simple cybersecurity measures detailed below.
Conduct security risk assessments
Start by evaluating the most critical threats to your business’s digital presence both by hackers and by human actions. Then establish the impact these actions will potentially have on your business. This measure is especially important for businesses that must adhere to compliance standards and regulations for protecting customer or sensitive information.
Enable 2-factor authentication and password policies
This requires employees to input strong passwords based on a password policy. 2-factor authentication should also be incorporated to prevent any breaches. Password Managers like Lastpass and Zoho Vault can be used to store passwords and prompt you when passwords need to be updated.
Train employees
Educate employees on the importance of protecting information and how hackers may gain access.
Maintaining an ongoing training program for employees is an important factor that ensures your business protects itself against the ever-evolving threats that put business information at risk.
Implement regular software and antivirus security updates
This prevents unpatched or out-of-date software that will allow threats to break your business network. It minimises vulnerabilities that could result in hackers gaining access to your information.
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
This allows employees to securely access your business network when working remotely or traveling. As VPNs encrypt data, they serve as an extra measure of security when an employee accesses your business network from an exposed internet access point.
Back up files
Daily backups help secure your business from the threat of ransomware by ensuring your business always retains a copy of its databases, sensitive information and other data, preventing data loss in the event of a cyber attack.
At POP & Co., we place a high importance on cybersecurity, leaving no stone unturned. Cloud-focused setups with daily information backups, state of the art IT infrastructure, secure SSL connections with data encryption and antivirus software, biometric access and CCTV monitoring are some of the measures we have taken to ensure our clients information is protected against cyber threats.
If you wish to learn more about our services and how we can add value to your business, get in touch with us on 1300 707 260 or hello@popcoinc.com.au.
