Technology plays a massive role in our lives and businesses. However, it comes with risks that can affect any business and its data.
Cybercriminals are constantly on the lookout for ways to attack computers and networks. The good news is that there are several ways to reduce your risk of a cyber-attack.
Educate Employees
A big part of reducing cyber and technology risks is educating your employees. They need to know how cyberattacks can damage your business and the consequences of violating security policies. Technology Risk Consultant identifies technological developments and assesses their impact on the client’s business. They can assist you in addressing and resolving new technical risks as your business and security requirements evolve.
An excellent way to do this is by providing them with regular cybersecurity training. You can also use social media to spread this information.
The messaging needs to be understandable, relatable and diversified. Avoid technical jargon that can confuse or cloud the message.
Ensure your employees know what can happen if they leave their devices on public WiFi or use their company-owned mobile device to access personal emails and data. This can lead to data breaches.
Implement a Firm Password Policy
A firm password policy is one of the most important ways to protect your business from cyber and technology risks. It sets a high standard for users to follow and outlines rules around password creation.
Ensure your password policies are written clearly and enforced consistently. They should cover a wide range of topics, including minimum password length, complexity requirements, password history, etc.
A strong password is a combination of numbers, letters and symbols complex for someone to guess or brute force attack. Avoid using personal information such as your birthday or user name.
Set Up a Firewall
Firewalls are one of the most important ways to protect your computer from online threats. They prevent malicious software from entering your system and also stop the spread of viruses.
Setting up a firewall may seem daunting, but it can be broken down into more straightforward tasks. This guide will walk you through the steps in configuring a Windows machine firewall.
Failing to secure the firewall can lead to data exfiltration and malware command and control. To ensure your organization’s security, set up rules that only allow approved traffic.
In addition, a firewall should be configured to permit only robust authentication methods, such as Multi-factor Authentication. Cybercriminals often use account takeover attacks to gain access to corporate networks.
Install Antivirus Software
The right antivirus software can help to protect your computer from viruses, Trojans, worms and spyware. These malicious programs can steal data, destroy files and even crash your device.
Most antivirus software also offers real-time scanning, automatic updates and protection across multiple applications. Some also include features that scan for suspicious network traffic and alert you if new, unknown software is communicating over unauthorized ports on your system.
Some antivirus packages even let you remotely perform an automated backup of your Automate data. This can help to minimize the number of viruses that affect your business.
Automate Backups
Automating backups of your company’s data and website is crucial in reducing cyber and technology risks. It helps to minimize the time your IT team needs to spend on data backups and allows them to focus on other essential tasks that require their attention.
Automated backups can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. They’re much less error-prone than manual backups and ensure consistent data protection.
A key benefit of automated backups is that they can be scheduled at a specific time, allowing your IT team to use their time more effectively. They can also eliminate the risk of employees forgetting to back up their computer data or websites.