Cybersecurity is a growing concern. With the increasing use of technology, it has become easier for cybercriminals to infiltrate personal information, steal money or even commit acts of terrorism.
It is important for all businesses to know how to protect themselves from cyberattacks and what measures they can implement to stay safe.
With so much information available on the internet, everyone should be aware of their digital footprint and how they can protect themselves from cybercriminals trying to steal their sensitive data.
Increasing cybersecurity awareness
Every October, businesses observe and promote Cybersecurity Awareness Month. However, indications show that the threats are becoming manifest and getting worse as time goes on.
It has been reported ransomware attacks are up by 148% across the US due to the increase in remote work. Clearly, just one month promoting cybersecurity awareness is not enough.
The answer to the problem may be found in a deeper understanding of the threats and how to protect against them.
Common cyber threats
There are many different types of cybersecurity threats businesses and individuals face every day. Although these threats vary in severity and scope, all share one thing in common: they can cause serious damage if not dealt with properly.
PhishingAn attempt to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in communications. These scams typically take the form of emails and are designed to look like they are from popular or secure websites in order to trick users into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. |
MalwarePrograms designed to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information or gain access to private computer systems. |
DDoS attacksDistributed Denial of Service attacks occur when multiple compromised systems attack a target, which can be anything from a website to an entire network. A DDoS attack works by flooding the bandwidth or resources of a targeted system until it cannot function properly. |
RansomwareMalicious software that blocks access to a computer system and demands the user pay ransom money in order for them to regain access. |
TrojanMalware disguised as legitimate software which tricks the user into performing malicious activity without their knowledge. |
VirusA program which attaches itself to legitimate files and spreads itself through networks. Viruses are typically used for malicious activity such as stealing information, disabling computers and destroying data. |
Data breachWhen personal information or sensitive data is exposed without authorization. Data breaches may also occur when cybercriminals steal private data from an organization’s computer systems. |
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Cybersecurity practices
Cybersecurity is a complex subject and it can be difficult to know what to do when you are faced with a cybersecurity breach. With that said, there are some basic cybersecurity strategies you can implement to protect your company.
FirewallsA method of restricting the flow of information between networks. They prevent unauthorized access to a computer or network by screening traffic and filtering out potentially unwanted content. |
Two-factor authenticationA process in which users need two different pieces of information to log into an account. One is a password, and the other is something only the user has access to, such as a code via text, email or phone. |
Antivirus softwarePrograms which scan your computer, detect any malicious software or viruses and prevent them from accessing your data. |
Application whitelistingPrevents unauthorized applications from running on your device. When you install an application, it will ask you to confirm whether you want to allow the app to run. The application will not be able to run without express permission. |
Data encryptionUsed to scramble data so only those with the necessary decryption key can access it. Encryption ensures your personal information will not be compromised in case of a data breach or an unauthorized user’s access to it. |
Managed cybersecurityProfessional services can help organizations and individuals manage the security of their networks and systems. They typically include a variety of different features, including patch management, vulnerability assessment, malware protection, intrusion detection/prevention, file integrity monitoring, advanced threat detection/prevention and more. |
Employee trainingThe most important aspect of cybersecurity. Your employees are the ones who will be responsible for implementing your security measures; thus, they should be familiar with the threats and practices. Cybersecurity training will help them build their skillsets and understand how to handle different cyber threats. |
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Constant vigilance
Cybersecurity and cyber threats should be at the forefront of your mind at all times. It’s crucial to stay informed about the latest threats, scams, attacks and security practices.
In order to keep your business as safe as possible, you should have a cybersecurity plan in place. This includes informing your employees about the risks of cyber-attacks, making sure all systems are up to date with the latest software and hardware and having a plan for when an attack does happen.
The security specialists at BCS365 have all the expertise, experience and latest tools to keep your data secure and help you implement the security strategies best suited to your business, so that you and your employees can celebrate cybersecurity awareness every day.