How to Protect your Business from Cyber Security Risks.

Protecting your business from cyber risks is more crucial than ever. Cyberattacks can lead to data breaches, financial losses, and damage to your company's reputation. However, with the right strategies in place, you can fortify your defences and mitigate potential threats.

October is cyber security awareness month, so we have put together some essential steps to take to safeguard your business against cyber risks.

Back up your data

One of the most fundamental aspects of protecting your business is regularly backing up your data. This practice ensures that even if a cyber incident occurs, you won't lose critical information. With back ups of your data, you can quickly recover and you can't be blackmailed by ransomware attacks.

Set up automatic back ups for all your important files and databases. Using a cloud solution keeps your data in a separate location and provides a high level of availability. It is also important to test your backups periodically to ensure they can be restored effectively.

Protect against malware

Malware, such as viruses, ransomware, and spyware, can wreak havoc on your business operations. To defend against malware:

• Install and regularly update antivirus software on all devices.
• Use firewalls to block unauthorised access to your network.
• Educate employees on the dangers of downloading attachments or clicking on suspicious links in emails.
• Implement strong email filtering to catch potential threats before they reach your inbox.
• Consider using a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that includes threat detection and response capabilities.

Turn on multifactor authentication

You need more than a password to protect your online accounts and enabling multifactor authentication (MFA) makes you significantly less likely to get hacked.

MFA is a layered approach to securing your online accounts and the data they contain. When you enable MFA in your online services, you must provide a combination of two or more authenticators to verify your identity before the service grants you access. Using MFA protects your account more than just using a username and password.  

Enable multifactor authentication on all your online accounts that offer it, especially email, social media, and financial accounts and use authentication apps or hardware tokens for added security.

Using Passwords to Protect Your Data

Strong passwords are the cornerstone of cybersecurity. Implement these practices to bolster your password security:

• Use long, random, and unique passwords for each account.
• Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Consider using a reputable password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.
• Regularly update passwords, especially after a security incident or a breach

Avoiding Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks remain a prevalent threat vector for cybercriminals. Phishing emails are getting harder to spot, here are some ways you can protect your business:

• Training employees to recognise phishing emails, texts, and calls.
• Encouraging scepticism regarding unsolicited requests for sensitive information.
• Verifying the authenticity of requests through trusted channels before sharing any sensitive data.
• Reporting phishing attempts to your IT department or the appropriate authorities.

By following these essential steps, you can establish a robust foundation for safeguarding your business against cyber risks. Remember, cyber security is an ongoing effort that requires vigilance and regular updates to stay ahead of evolving threats. By prioritising these measures, you're taking proactive steps to protect your business and its valuable assets.

At SystemLabs we provide a variety of cyber security services from continuous pen testing highlighting vulnerabilities to data audits which can help you mitigate risks with your data.