Businesses are still seriously threatened by cyberattacks. They can result in data breaches, loss of productivity, and many other consequences that have significant costs. It’s true for small businesses that often lack the resources and expertise to counter cyberattacks. The good news is that there are many things you can do to safeguard your online security.
Be Careful with Your Information
It is essential to be careful with what you share online. Many people need to realize that the information they share online can stay online forever. Pictures, names, addresses, and other personal information can all be found on the dark web and are often used for identity theft or fraud. Also, be wary of what apps you download or websites you use. Some apps or websites will record your location, which can be used to monitor you and steal your data. Cybercriminals are using new tactics and technologies all the time. It’s essential to keep up with what they are doing and follow cybersecurity best practices to prevent them from getting a foothold in your life or business. It’s also important to backup your data and systems to avoid downtime, loss of productivity, or financial losses if there is a cyber attack. Keeping up with online news and a list of recent cyber attacks is another excellent way to stay informed of the latest threats. It’s also critical to regularly teach employees how to recognize and handle cyber threats.
Change Your Passwords Regularly
Every time you turn on your computer, a news story about a significant data breach that exposed the private information of millions of individuals pops up. One of the main reasons why this happens is because of passwords. When you use a simple password, it is easy for cybercriminals to guess and get access to your personal or business information. Changing your passwords helps to protect you from cyberattacks. It takes much longer to crack a strong password than a weak one. It also prevents criminals from using stolen passwords leaked from data breaches. However, some security experts have differing views about whether or not forcing people to change their passwords based on a schedule is adequate. Studies have shown that forcing people to change their passwords often makes them choose less secure ones that are easier to remember. For example, they might choose a common word or use a pattern like incrementing a number or adding a unique character to an existing one.
Keep Your Devices Up-to-Date
We all know the annoying pop-ups asking us to restart our computers or devices for updates. But ignoring them can have serious consequences. When software and hardware aren’t updated, they don’t have the latest patches close to known security flaws. It makes them an easier target for cybercriminals. The latest operating systems, software, and apps have many built-in functions that help to prevent attacks. However, cybercriminals use a range of tactics to breach devices and steal information. These include using commodity tools and techniques, such as phishing, brute force, fileless attacks on Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and more.
Updating all of your devices and making sure your operating systems are current are the most significant ways to defend against these threats. You should also ensure that your web browsers are up to date, as well as any hardware, such as routers and IoT devices, you may have at home or work. Many of these devices will automatically update, but if not, you should check them to see if there are any available updates regularly.
Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Cyberattacks can significantly affect individuals, businesses, and the national economy. Hackers can steal personal information, sabotage a company’s website and services, damage transportation and power grid systems, and more. The best way to protect yourself from these threats is by implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) for your online accounts.
2FA requires a second form of verification, usually a mobile phone number or security token, to access an account. This extra step is a significant deterrent for hackers, even if they have the password for an account. 2FA also helps to prevent brute force attacks, in which hackers try countless combinations of passwords until they hit the right one.
2FA is an excellent tool for both individuals and businesses. It benefits businesses that allow employees to work remotely, as it can secure data beyond traditional firewalls. In addition, 2FA can help to prevent the many types of breaches that businesses face, such as man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, DDoS attacks, and more. It can also help to safeguard sensitive information from attackers and meet compliance requirements.
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
By encrypting all of your internet traffic when using a VPN, you may remain anonymous and have your online activity almost wholly untraceable. It’s a popular tool for people who work from home, for streaming region-specific content, and for remote workers, and it’s one of the most effective ways to safeguard your online security. When you use too much of your allotted bandwidth, you may experience data throttling, which you may prevent using a VPN. It can be a pain for individuals who have capped data plans. With a VPN, your device is connected to a remote server, which means your ISP can’t measure data usage. It’s helpful for businesses that use a lot of bandwidth for data-intensive services. The best way to prevent cyberattacks is to be aware of their tactics, invest in robust cybersecurity software and hardware, backup and encrypt your data, use 2FA on all devices, and ensure you follow all of your employer’s security policies. Additionally, it’s critical to obtain cyber insurance, which can assist in covering monetary damages if a data breach occurs.