Simple Ways to Protect Your Business From Cyber Attacks

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Preventing cyber attacksTechnology has undoubtedly changed the face of business. In many ways, this is for the better, as technology speeds up transactions, streamlines processes, and minimizes many errors. Of course, with the good comes the bad, and when it comes to technology, the “bad” can sometimes be a security breach, or “cyber attack.”

As cyber attacks have become more common in recent years, both large and small companies have learned the importance of protecting their digital information. The extent you’ll go to to protect your business will vary based on size and industry, but there are a few across-the-board “best practices” when it comes to preventing cyber attacks.

Here are some simple things you should do to protect your business:

Use Strong Passwords

Think passwords don’t make a difference? They do! Uncovering a password is a common way for hackers to gain access to confidential information. It’s important for every member of your team to use strong passwords to protect your company’s data. Strong passwords are usually long, contain upper and lowercase letters, include numbers and symbols, and are not real words or phrases. Also utilize two-factor authentication for an added layer of security.

Stay Updated

No, that “update available” notification isn’t just there to annoy you. Software updates usually include the latest security patches, meaning that they fix weaknesses in the software that hackers might exploit. Stay up to date with your software, and if your software is so old that the company has stopped releasing updates for that version, it’s time to upgrade.

Encrypt

If you have sensitive data that will be stored in the cloud (and most companies do), it’s important to encrypt it before saving it. This will further secure your data from falling into the wrong hands. Encryption software is available that can make this process fairly straightforward.

Back It Up

Backing up your data is always a good idea, and it should be done often. Multiple times a day, or even an hour, is preferable for many businesses. Data should be stored both on- and off-site for the best protection against various forms of cyber attack.

Train Your People Well

Your employees should know your company’s security processes and should adhere to them strictly. Help them to recognize threats and guard against them. Have guidelines in place to create a secure work environment, and invest in software and programs that make it easier for your employees to follow those guidelines. By creating a company culture that values security, you will lower your chances of experiencing a cyber attack.

These simple steps are a good beginning to securing your company’s digital information. Hiring a security professional to audit, improve, and/or monitor your security measures could also help you feel more confident in the security of your company. If you need help finding the right person for the job, EDI Staffing can help. We have years of experience filling positions with talented, highly-qualified candidates, and we can help you find the security professional to make sure your company is protected from cyber attacks.

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