There are now around 2200 cyber attacks taking place around the world every day, ranging from data breaches to ransomware, and these threats are constantly evolving. So, for any business large or small with an online presence, having strong cyber security practices in place is no longer optional – it’s a necessity.
So, we’ve put together 5 tips to help you improve cyber security and protect your business from cyber threats.
1. Implement Strong Password Policies
Weak passwords are one of the most common gateways for hackers to access sensitive information. Many cyberattacks are successful simply because users have easy-to-guess passwords or use the same password across multiple accounts.
To strengthen your business’s cyber security, enforce a strong password policy. Require employees to create complex passwords that include a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Encourage them to avoid using common words or personal information, like birthdays, and implement a policy that requires regular password updates.
In addition to strong passwords, you should also use multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to a mobile device, in addition to a password. This helps to further protect sensitive accounts and data from unauthorised access.
2. Keep Software Updated and Patch Vulnerabilities
Cyber criminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain access to systems. Software developers regularly release patches and updates to fix security issues, so keeping your business’s systems up to date is critical for maintaining security.
Schedule routine checks for software updates across all your devices, including operating systems, applications, and antivirus programs. Many attacks target unpatched software vulnerabilities, so timely updates can prevent attacks before they occur. Automate your updates where possible and ensure your IT team monitors security patches for business-critical systems.
In addition to updating software, regularly audit your systems to identify potential vulnerabilities and patch them immediately. Investing in regular vulnerability assessments can help identify weak spots in your network security and ensure your business is protected.
3. Train Your Employees on Cyber Security Best Practices
Employees are often the weakest link in an organisation’s cyber security defence. Human error, such as falling for phishing scams or clicking on malicious links, can open the door to a host of cyber threats. Therefore, investing in employee training is essential to improving your business’s security.
Start by educating your team on how to recognise common cyber threats, such as phishing emails, suspicious links, and social engineering attempts. Provide them with clear guidelines on what to do if they encounter a potential threat. Encourage a culture of awareness where employees feel comfortable reporting suspicious activity to the IT department without hesitation.
Consider conducting regular training sessions to keep your team informed about the latest cyber threats and best practices. Simulated phishing attacks can also be useful for assessing employee awareness and reinforcing training.
4. Use Network Segmentation to Limit Access
Network segmentation is a security practice that involves dividing your network into smaller, isolated segments. By doing this, you can limit the spread of a cyber attack if a breach does occur. Instead of gaining access to your entire network, hackers would only have access to one segment, significantly reducing the damage they can cause.
For example, you might segment your network based on department or function, restricting access to sensitive data only to employees who need it to perform their job. This way, even if a cybercriminal gains access to one part of the network, they won’t be able to move freely across the entire system.
Network segmentation also allows for more detailed monitoring of traffic, making it easier to detect unusual activity that could indicate a breach. This proactive measure helps protect sensitive business data and reduces the impact of potential attacks.
5. Create an Incident Response Plan
No matter how strong your security measures are, no system is completely immune to attacks. That’s why it’s critical to have an incident response plan in place to address any cyber threats that do manage to infiltrate your systems.
An incident response plan outlines the steps your business should take in the event of a cyber attack. This includes identifying the threat, containing the breach, eradicating the threat, and recovering from the incident. Having a clear plan ensures that your business can respond quickly and effectively to minimise damage and downtime.
Ensure that all employees are familiar with your incident response plan, and designate a response team responsible for managing any breaches. Regularly review and update the plan as your business’s needs evolve and new threats emerge.
Cyber attacks have sadly now become the norm in today’s online world, by implementing these five steps—enforcing strong password policies, keeping software updated, training employees, using network segmentation, and having an incident response plan—you can significantly improve your business’s cyber security and help protect yourself against potential attacks.
CircleBC provides a range of cyber security services that can help protect your business, for more information call us on 1300 978 073 or contact us to book a complimentary consultation.
Circle Business Consulting have helped businesses all over Australia with their Cyber Security requirements, we have delivered solutions in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, Tasmania, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.
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