Cyberattacks have been on the rise for the last couple of years. We have seen them cripple larger companies and cause chaos throughout. Now, amid rising concerns of Cyberattacks due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, cybersecurity has become a top priority for businesses and consumers alike. With that said, the need to protect one’s business has become even more crucial than ever.
To help aid in preparing for such an attack, we have put together a list of steps that we feel are important to implement.
How to protect against Cyberattacks:
- Use strong, smart passwords: Do not just use one password or variations of passwords for every account that you own. Reusing passwords or password variations means that if an attacker has access to one of your passwords, they effectively have access to all of your accounts. Every password that you have should be different from the rest – passwords with random phrases, numbers, and letters are the most secure.
- Set up two-factor authentication: Companies add this additional security step as an added layer of protection to accounts. Once set up, a code is sent to your email or via text and is used to sign-in securely
- Do not click links in emails: If an organization, such as your bank, sends you a link, launch your browser and go directly to the bank’s site instead of clicking on the link itself. You can also check the destination of a link by hovering your mouse over it. If the URL does not match the link’s anchor text or the email’s stated destination, there is a good chance that it could be malicious. Many spear-phishing attackers will try to obfuscate link destinations by using anchor text that looks like a legitimate URL.
What else can be done?
- Use logic when opening emails: If you get an email from a “friend” asking for personal information including your password, carefully check to see if their email address is one that you have seen them use in the past. Real businesses will not send you an email asking for your username or password. Your best bet would be to contact that “friend” or business outside of email or visit the business’ official website to see if they were the party who actually contacted you.
- Frequently update your software: If your software provider notifies you that there is a new update, do it right away. The majority of software systems include security software updates that should help to protect you from common attacks. When possible, enable automatic software updates
- Implement a Data Protection Program: Having a data protection program includes combining user education pertaining to data security best practices and implementation of data protection solutions. This will help to prevent any unwarranted attacks. Microsoft Office 365 offers Advanced Threat Protection, which screens all emails for malicious content before delivering them to the recipient.
Final Thoughts:
While it is unclear when or if Cyberattacks will happen, it is best to prepare for the unknown. If you need help implementing these steps, please contact us at 818-501-2281. Also, to assist in your efforts of safeguarding your business, we are offering a free Network Security Audit. This audit is helpful in identifying any blindspots your setup can encounter.
