Cybersecurity Risks from an Escalating Russia–Ukraine Conflict

Tension is rising between Russia, Ukraine, and the US. Is your company’s cybersecurity at risk? Here are a few things you need to know.

News networks and social media are showing clips of Russian military forces exercising and training to fight as they warn of an imminent Russian attack against Ukraine.

Russia’s cyber-forces are less visible and could be poised to launch a new wave cyberattacks against western energy, finance and communications infrastructure. Regardless when an invasion happens, tensions will continue to rise and the cyber threat will not diminish.

Cybersecurity Risks

The consequences of the conflict in Ukraine for business — cyber, conventional, and hybrid — will have a profound impact on businesses far beyond the borders of the region. Have you evaluated whether your business is at risk? Many small businesses think they will not be affected – think again.

You are likely too late if you’re just starting to evaluate your cyber defenses. Cyber defense requires a long-term strategic investment and not just a quick fix.

The cyberthreat posed by the conflict in Ukraine is perhaps the greatest ever for U.S. companies. Russia’s invasion would result in the harshest and most severe sanctions ever imposed against it. Russia views these measures as economic warfare. Russia will not be silent, but will respond asymmetrically with its vast cyber capabilities.

Recent warning from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency was issued by the CISA about the possibility of Russian cyberattacks spreading to U.S. networks. This follows previous CISA warnings regarding the dangers posed Russian cyberattacks on U.S. critical infrastructure.

Cyber skirmishing is already in its infancy. In Ukraine, banks and government systems were attacked within the last week. U.S. companies are noticing a sharp increase in cyber probing.

Dragos CEO Rob Lee told us that “we have observed threat groups that were attributed to Russia by U.S. government agencies performing reconnaissance on U.S. industrial infrastructure, such as key electric and natural gas stations, in the recent months.

We were informed by several multinational security and intelligence departments that they anticipate Russian cyberattacks. They also assess the possibility of second- and third-order impacts on their operations.” Companies have indicated that they anticipate an increase in scams and attacks in the context of the Ukraine crisis. Risk assessments are usually dependent on whether the company has any direct links to the Ukrainian banks or other critical infrastructure.

If it’s too late to increase your cyber defense, as conflict seems imminent, then what can leaders do other than throw their arms up?

First, a cyber- or IT problem can quickly become a business problem. Firms should immediately begin to draw out, dust off, and exercise business continuity plans.

What does it look like to work in an analog world or pencil-and-paper for days, weeks or months? In a matter of seconds, 30,000 laptops belonging to Saudi Aramco were made into paperweights by hackers. Grab your pen knife, and take a look at the crisis response paint. Ask “If my IT systems fail, how will I track my inventory, manage accounts, and communicate with my organization?”

Second, examine carefully your supply chain. Hidden dependence on Ukrainian-based code writers or software engineers could pose a risk to your firm.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, more than 100 Fortune 500 companies worldwide rely at minimum partially on Ukrainian IT services. Several Ukrainian IT firms are among the top 100 global outsourcing options for IT services.

Third, connecting to vendors and peer networks can greatly increase your chances of detecting and mitigating cyber intruders. Your teams should be empowered to reach out and assist cyber and intelligence teams from peer companies and federal and local partners who are closely monitoring the same threats.

Make sure your teams are aware of their local CISA representatives and FBI field offices. Also, ensure that they are on their mailing list to keep up with alerts and warnings. To increase awareness and build a collective defense, share anomalous and malicious cyber activity with local and federal partners.

Fourth, instill security mindset among your employees. Enabling multifactor authentication, which makes you 99 percent less likely to be hacked, patching old vulnerabilities, making passwords strong and remembering that phishing remains the most common attack vector for sophisticated adversaries, all of these things can help to improve overall security.

Cybersecurity is closely linked to overall business security. Cyber threats are often a problem for corporate leaders. However, IT security must be considered alongside geopolitical risk assessments.

It is important that teams working on cybersecurity, geopolitical risks, and physical security work together, and not in silos. One case involved a corporate intelligence manager who said that he had done a joint assessment of Russia-Ukraine with his cyber intelligence team — it was the first time they had ever worked together in this way. This case highlighted the importance of pre-existing relationships, and it prompted new levels in cooperation.

It may not be possible to build relationships during crisis. It is better to establish communication and cooperate before disaster strikes.

Corporate resilience, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans are crucial in times of crisis. These require all company attention and solutions.

It is time to take out your contingency plans, test them, and see if they are up-to-date, realistic, and suitable for the purpose, with war in Europe imminent. Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you want to keep your business and network secure with the help of IT experts.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Fayetteville, NC 28304
(910) 745-7776
http://manageditservicesfayetteville.com

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston

Common Cybersecurity Weaknesses Of Businesses

Your business cannot afford being a victim to internet criminals and cybersecurity threats. Your business could be exposed if it is harmed by a weak security system.

Cyberattacks are more common than ever and they are becoming more frequent. They are more common in small and medium-sized businesses.

A study found that 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses. Only 14% of small businesses are prepared for hackers.

Cyberattacks are not limited to small businesses. Identity theft can happen to anyone. It is important to be aware and alert for cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity refers to the protection of computer and network systems against harm and theft, including data, software, and hardware. It also helps businesses to find a way out of disruption.

Cybersecurity is not just about the internet or software attacks. Few people consider the physical components of computers. Cyberattacks can cause serious damage to the device.

Cybersecurity Protection Elements

Organizations must plan their cybersecurity efforts across the entire information system in order to have an impact on cybersecurity. These are the components of cybersecurity:

Network security: Protecting a company’s network against unwanted threats and attacks.

Application security: Continuous testing and updating is required to ensure that programs are safe.

Endpoint security: This is for companies that have remote access to their business network. The system can allow cybercriminals to take the data. Remote access to company network can be protected by endpoint security.

Data security: This is the protection of company and customer data within networks and applications.

Database and infrastructure security: Secures data and databases that are part of the company’s network.

Cloud security: Protects files and data stored in the cloud. This is a complex task because data protection requires a completely online environment.

ERP Cybersecurity Strategy

Enterprise Resource Planning or ERP, systems allow employees to collaborate more effectively and communicate with each other through a single database. Companies can run their business processes by using ERP systems.

These include supply chain management, manufacturing, finance, human resource management, and marketing. This system stores data that can be used for planning, decision-making and operational management.

ERP is a tool that can be used by partners and businesses involved in product development, sales campaigns, mergers and acquisitions. This means that more data flows and is available to many users. An ERP’s data flow will increase, exposing business information systems and software to more vulnerabilities.

ERP security is not often a primary consideration when choosing a provider. In recent years, ERP has become more vulnerable. Serious disruptions to ERP systems can cause financial and operational problems that could cost you your company time and money.

Cyberattack risks can be mitigated by an ERP system strategy. These are eight other cybersecurity vulnerabilities that businesses need to be aware of.

Cybersecurity’s Top 8 Common Weaknesses

Businesses can work with cybersecurity teams to achieve the following:

Unsecured Networks

Cybercriminals can gain access to your network if it isn’t secured. They can access all systems and devices connected to the network once they are infiltrated.

Unsecured Communication Channels

Companies exchange sensitive information frequently, so it is important to protect all communication channels. An encrypted email platform can be a great way to communicate with clients securely.

Old Systems

Hardware engineers and software developers are constantly looking for security threats that could harm users. They patch the problem to fix it once they have found it. To make a patch work, hardware and software must be updated at the device level.

Businesses can be put at risk by outdated systems. Software and devices can be set to automatically update to receive any patches that are available to correct known security flaws.

Unknown Bugs

Cybercriminals can gain easy access to user accounts through bugs in an app. This could be due to a bug in the software programming interface that integrates two apps. You could also be experiencing a problem with software from a third-party.

It is impossible to detect and prevent every bug. You can improve security by scanning your applications regularly and carefully vetting vendors.

Cybersecurity strategy lacking

Many businesses don’t have a comprehensive strategy to address their cybersecurity needs. Many businesses don’t have a high-end strategy for their cybersecurity needs.

Strategic approaches set the scene for security priorities and serve as a guide to anticipating and responding in case of attacks.

Inadequacy of monitoring

You should monitor traffic and be proactive in scanning for ransomware and distributed denial-of-service attacks. Businesses are at risk from these types of intrusions if they don’t have proper monitoring. Modern monitoring also integrates artificial intelligence for vigilance.

Employee Training is a Problem

90% of data breaches are due to human error. When an employee gives a password to another person, this is called a “password swap”. They then gain access to company data which opens the door to attacks.

Employees are taught best practices in cybersecurity by training them. They learn how to use strong passwords and identify attacks in advance.

Companies should ensure that employees receive consistent training in order to retain information.

Internet of Things and Multiple Connect Points

One of many technologies that companies can use to leverage their business is the IoT (Internet of Things). This could involve multiple connections to a single network. IoT offers businesses greater productivity and efficiency but it also presents vulnerabilities.

To mitigate threats, it is important to be prepared for remote access security threats.

Final Cybersecurity Measures

Security risks should be communicated to the entire workforce as part of a company’s cybersecurity efforts.

Employees are also the last and most important line of defense. A strong team and collaboration between the upper management is key to business security. When there is a disconnect between operations and teams, common weaknesses can often be present.

You can take a stand on cybersecurity and embed it in your operations. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding responsibility.

A security-minded, ownership-focused culture is key to ensuring resilience. For cybersecurity initiatives to be effective, organizations must make changes and show constant commitment.

Awareness and preparation are key to successful implementation. Companies that document and test risk mitigation plans reduce risk and increase client confidence.

Prevent data breaches

Organizations must continue to plan for cybersecurity maturity and risk planning. These essentials will ensure that your organization is agile, adaptable, and alert to emerging threats.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you want to boost your company’s online security measures to prevent cyberattacks.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Fayetteville, NC 28304
(910) 745-7776
http://manageditservicesfayetteville.com

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston

Cybersecurity 101: The Top 5 Reasons It Happens

A data breach can spell doom for many businesses. A cybersecurity breach can result in the loss of customer and business information, as well as internal business data like transaction history and inventory lists. This is something that businesses do not want to have to deal with.

The loss of customer trust can have a devastating effect on a business, not only in the immediate financial consequences of fraudulent orders and bank transfers but also the long-term economic impact.

The first step to preventing data breaches is understanding the causes. What are the top causes of data breaches?

Here are some of the most common causes of cybersecurity breaches.

Reason #1: Unpatched Security Vulnerabilities

Data security professionals have been collecting information for years on exploits hackers have used to attack companies in many countries. To identify these exploits for future reference, they are divided into hundreds of Common Vulnerabilities (CVEs).

Many of these security flaws remain unfixed for long time. According to Verizon’s 2015 Data Breach Investigations Report (PDF), “99.9%” of exploited vulnerabilities were compromised within a year following publication of the CVE.

These security holes are still open to hackers, so don’t leave them unfixed.

Cause #2: Human Error

Unfortunately, the greatest source of computer security breaches is not some forgotten security bug or unknown vulnerability, but human error.

Shrm.org cites statistics from CompTIA that show human error is responsible for 52 percent of security breaches. While the exact nature of an error can vary, some scenarios include:

• Use of weak passwords
• Not sending sensitive information to the right recipients
• Sharing password/account information
• Don’t fall for phishing scams.

It is possible to prevent many of these human errors by making sure that employees are familiar with basic data security procedures. According to the SHRM article, experts often recommend that employees receive more training in order to address the “human firewall” issue.

Cause #3: Malware

Malware isn’t just a problem on personal computers, but it can also be a threat to your company’s systems. According to Verizon DBIR 2015, 5 malware events are reported every second.

Although many of these “malware incidents” are minor, they can still be alarming.

There is also a lot of variation among malware samples.

According to the Verizon DBIR, “We found that 70 to 90% of malware samples (depending upon the source and organization), are unique to one organization.”

Many malware programs are not derived from one “family” but a handful of other families. Verizon estimates that 70% of malware activity came from “20 families.”

Why? Why?

Cause #4: Insider Misuse

Although closely related to human error and company data, it is much more dangerous. Human error can be described as an innocent mistake or accident. Insider misuse is, however, the intentional abuse of the company’s systems and data by authorized users, usually for personal gain.

According to Verizon’s DBIR report, “it’s all in the grabbing of some easy Benjamins by these mendacious malefactors with financial gain or convenience being the primary motivators (40%)

This is because the malicious actor could be someone your company has trusted. Even worse, Verizon’s report points out that “catching insider abuse is difficult… In many of the incidents reviewed, the insider abuse occurred during forensic examinations of user devices after individuals had left a company.”

Although it is almost impossible to prevent insider abuse, you can limit damage by compartmentalizing information on your network and cloud. It is more difficult for one user to access files or systems that are not restricted. It can make it more difficult to share the data.

Cause #5: Physical theft of a data-carrying device

The physical theft of sensitive company information is last on the list. These can be laptops, desktops and tablets as well as smartphones, tablets, hard drives and thumb drives.

A stolen device’s data can lead to a serious cyberattack. This is dependent on the type of information on the device. If the device is not wiped, more sensitive information will be considered a data breach.

Verizon reports that “most thefts occurred within the victim’s work area (55% percent of incidents), but employees-owned vehicles (22% incidents) are also common locations for thefts to occur.”

These thefts are often opportunistic and difficult to predict. It is important to limit the chances of data-storing devices being removed from the workplace.

There are many data breach threats, but these are the most serious.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you need the help of experts in securing your network against online threats.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Fayetteville, NC 28304
(910) 745-7776
http://manageditservicesfayetteville.com

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston

A Cybersecurity Threat That Comes From Within

Nowadays, it’s not unusual for teams to concentrate on protecting a company from external threats. However, if you look a bit closer, you might realize that there’s a threat that comes from within. Research into cybersecurity threat behavior noted that about 60% of data breaches come from your employees. Are you scared? You have to be especially since insider threats could be among the most dangerous things that can happen to a business.

Without a specific focus, there’s a real possibility that security teams may be overlooking something pretty obvious – a threat that is much closer, probably within your network perimeter, office, or building. A person that may just be the biggest threat to your company’s security. So what are the possible motivations of an insider threat? What can push an individual to wreak havoc from within your organization? Here’s what you need to be looking for.

Cybersecurity Threats From Inside Your Company

Not every internal threat is malicious

Data breaches usually come from human error or negligence. The CERT Insider Threat Database has more than 1,000 incidents where insiders may have harmed their company, stolen sensitive information, or changed or deleted data for identity threat or personal financial gain. Out of these cases, only 33 involved a disgruntled staff member. It’s a fact that cyberattacks that are linked to insiders through staff credentials could have a significant impact. Among the recorded incidents in the database, the most common results of cybersecurity breaches are copied data, blocked access to systems, and data deletion.

The orphaned account risk

Several companies do not decommission privileged users effectively once they get another role or when the leave the organization. Also known as orphaned accounts, these provides malicious actors from accessing confidential information. The problem is that getting rid of forgotten and lost orphaned accounts isn’t as easy as it seems. It’s easy for accounts to fall into the cracks especially since there are so many systems, applications, and identity directories that have to be managed.

Lost data and damages

Some of the CERT database cases involved data deletion, which range from deleting source code to deleting specific records that corrupted a crucial system that the company and its clients depended on.

Exploited Vulnerabilities

If left unchecked, problems in IT security can result in a data breach. The CERT database showcases different incidents wherein data was stolen, copied, or manhandled maliciously thanks to the unresolved vulnerabilities in the system. One of the biggest threats to your company’s security is unsecure password. Whether it’s a weak, old, generic, or shared password.

Honest Mistake

Even the most well meaning and earnest user could click on a bad file or link accidentally. The problem is that phishing attacks have become much more complicated, and can easily pretend as a legitimate email from a well known colleague or source sharing a link to a word document or invoice to download. That specific link could be hiding a dangerous crypto virus or ransomware which could possibly freeze systems, destroy data or cause problems to your IT infrastructure.

Cybersecurity does not have to be scary. Call SpartanTec, Inc. in Fayetteville NC now and let us help you protect your network through our managed IT services.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Fayetteville, NC 28304
(910) 745-7776
https://manageditservicesfayetteville.com

 

5 Cybersecurity Threats for Businesses and Tips to Avoid Them

Nearly 70% of all full-time workers in the United States switched to working remotely during the COVID-19 epidemic. In the post-COVID era, approximately 58.6% of U.S. workers continue to work remotely without the possibility of ever returning to an office space. While remote jobs offer many benefits, they can also be a breeding ground of cybersecurity attacks and expose companies to greater risk.

Right Scale’s 2019 State of the Cloud Report found that 91% of businesses use public cloud while 72% use a private one. Nearly every aspect of an organization’s day is digital, including company-run platforms and data-sensitive accounts. These drastic migrations create a host of new and increased risks.

It’s becoming more important than ever to evaluate your company’s vulnerability as cybersecurity threats keep evolving. We’ll be walking you through five common cybersecurity Fayetteville NC threats that businesses face, as well as three tips for avoiding them.

Five Cybersecurity Threats to Businesses in 2021

1. Phishing

Phishing refers to a hacking technique that tricks users into downloading malicious messages. The scheme looks like regular email and includes legitimate links, attachments, business names, logos, and business names. The email convinces users to click a link or download an attachment. The subject line of phishing emails may be clickbait. Whale phishing, another type of email phishing, is targeted at executives. Spear-phishing is another option that sends emails to specific employees of a company to steal information.

Email phishing is the most common form of phishing. Smishing is a form of phishing that sends SMS messages to encourage clicks on dangerous links. Vishing, on the other hand, sends fake phone calls and voice messages posing as legitimate businesses. Phishing via search engines is a more recent form of phishing. This involves hackers creating fake websites that rank high in search engine results to steal customers’ information.

According to Cisco–2021 Cyber security threats trends, phishing and crypto topped the list. 86% of organizations had at least one user connected to a phishing website in a recent survey. A wrong click by an employee could expose a company to huge risk.

2. Malware

Malware, also known by malicious software, can slow down or stop computers from functioning completely. Malware can cause computer systems to be destroyed by trojan malware, spyware and viruses, ransomware and adware, as well as worms.

Clicking an infected link can allow malware to be downloaded onto your computer. Hackers can access your company’s passwords and banking information, as well as files and personnel files, once malware has been installed on a computer system.

Companies reported that 35% of all malware attacks they faced in the past year used previously unknown malware or methods. This percentage will likely rise as more workers work remotely.

3. Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts user’s computer systems. Users are unable to access their files or systems after a ransomware attack is launched. Users will need to pay ransom to cybercriminals in order to be able to access their systems again.

Bitcoin is often used to pay ransom payments. Cybercriminals might also ask for other payment methods, such as Amazon gift certificates. Ransom charges can vary greatly from hundreds to thousands of dollars, or even more. Many ransom payment organizations don’t have access to their systems.

Ransomware can be spread via a malicious download sent in an email. Attacks can be directed at individual employees or whole organizations. A notable 58% of US businesses reported revenue loss as a direct result of ransomware attacks during the pandemic.

4. Data Breach

Data breach is when sensitive data are stolen from a system that does not have authorization. This includes, but is not limited to, credit card numbers and social security numbers. It also includes names, home addresses, email addresses, passwords, and user names.

Breaches can be carried out through point-of sale (POS) systems, or via a network attack. Cybercriminals will likely launch a network attack if they find a flaw in an organization’s online security system, and then use that weakness to penetrate the system. Hackers can also use social attacks to trick employees into giving access to the network. They may fall for tricks such as downloading harmful attachments or giving out login credentials.

A data breach analysis by the Identity Theft Resource Center, (ITRC) shows that the number of data breaches reported in the United States has risen to 38% during the second quarter 2021. Businesses must immediately take action to stop data breaches and fix the problem. Failure to act quickly could result in a damaged reputation and possible fines of thousands to millions.

5. Compromised Passwords

Most often, compromised passwords are caused by users entering their login credentials on an untrusted website. Accounts that have the same username and password combination are more susceptible to hackers. Multiple passwords can make your system more vulnerable to hackers. This puts multiple accounts at risk.

Always use unique passwords that are difficult to guess when creating passwords for company accounts. For maximum security, tell your employees that 51% of respondents use the same passwords to access their personal and work accounts.

Three Tips to Avoid Cybersecurity Threats

1. Build Your Expertise–Internally and Externally

Small- and medium-sized companies, especially, can struggle to hire the right people to protect them from cyber threats. It can be costly to hire a security manager or engineer, and it might be difficult to assess the hard skills of an individual. An in-house team will provide you with the best long-term accountability.

Many companies choose to hire an outside firm or freelance an IT support professional. UpCity, a company that helps small businesses find cybersecurity companies they can trust, can also help them with hiring a cybersecurity company. Working with an outside company has two advantages. They can provide 24/7 monitoring of attacks that could occur at any moment and are experts who keep up to date on the evolving landscape of cyberattacks.

2. Educate your team

While some of the best cybersecurity practices might seem obvious, it is important to inform your entire team about them and make sure everyone is on the same page. Discuss with employees the importance of strong passwords and how to use shared networks safely. Also, discuss your internet use guidelines and how to protect customer data.

Your team should be able to identify phishing attacks. This includes looking for URLs and email addresses that are very close, but not exact. Also, using language that is unclear or misspelled. Be cautious about asking for passwords and other personal information. Cyberattacks can strike even the most experienced security personnel. It is possible to quickly catch an attack by giving employees something to look out for.

One UpCity employee saw many outbound emails that were not sent from their account last year and realized that their password had been compromised. They reviewed their email settings and changed their password immediately. An attacker set up a mail filter to forward all mail to an external address. This was found and removed. An insufficient response could have overlooked this detail, which allowed the attacker to potentially gain access to their password and other accounts.

3. Make a Cybersecurity Policy

Your cybersecurity policy should be updated regularly to reflect new attacks. The policy’s core should cover protecting devices, including up-to-date browsers, firewalls and encryption, multi-factor authentication (not only strong passwords but secondary methods of authentication), data protection (including how to deal with customer data and what to send via email).

You should make your policies easily accessible to all employees. They should also be reviewed regularly to ensure that everyone understands and follows the correct protocol.

A cybersecurity plan is essential. It is vital that every company, regardless of its size, understands current cyber threats and how to combat them.

A plan that is well-executed and regularly reviewed is the best way to protect customer and company information. Cybersecurity should not be put on the back burner, regardless of whether you have in-house knowledge or a trusted partner outside. Protecting your business is as simple as understanding the latest threats and how to avoid them.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you need the help of IT experts in boosting your company’s cybersecurity.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Fayetteville, NC 28304
(910) 745-7776
http://manageditservicesfayetteville.com

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence, Charleston

Cybersecurity for Small Businesses

Businesses of any size and located anywhere can use the internet to reach new markets. They also have the opportunity to be more efficient by using computer-based tools. Cybersecurity should be considered whether a company plans to adopt cloud computing or use email and maintain a website. Digital theft is now the most common form of fraud. It has surpassed physical theft. Every company that uses the Internet must create a culture of security to increase business and consumer confidence. The FCC launched the Small Biz Cyber Planner 2.0 online in October 2012. This tool allows small businesses to create custom cybersecurity plans.

A one-page Cybersecurity Tip sheet was also published by the FCC. This quick resource includes new tips for creating a mobile device plan, as well as information on credit card and payment security.

Cyberseucrity: Securing and Empowering Small Business With Technology

On May 16, 2011, the FCC hosted a roundtable with leaders from both the private and public sectors in order to provide the most current and effective cybersecurity strategies for small business owners.

For more information on the Cybersecurity Roundtable May 16, 2011 event, visit the Cybersecurity Roundtable event webpage. You will find links to the News Release, Factsheet and playback of the recorded webcast.

The agency also released a Cybersecurity Tips Sheet that outlines the top ten methods entrepreneurs can protect network, themselves, and their customers from cyber attacks.

10 Cyber Security Tips For Small Businesses

Small businesses can reach new markets by using broadband and information technology. This allows them to increase productivity and efficiency. Businesses need a strategy for cybersecurity to protect themselves, their customers and their data against growing cybersecurity threats.

Training employees in security principles

Establish policies and security procedures for employees. For example, require strong passwords and set appropriate guidelines for Internet use. Set up rules that outline how to protect and handle customer data.

Cyber attacks can be prevented from computers, networks, and information

Maintain clean computers: Ensure that you have the most recent security software, web browser, operating system, and antivirus software. This will help protect against malware, viruses, and other online threats. After each update, set antivirus software to run an automatic scan. Other key software updates should be installed as soon as possible.

Firewall security is essential for Internet connections

A firewall is a collection of programs that block outsiders from accessing private networks. You can either enable the firewall on your operating system or download free firewall software online. Employers who work remotely should ensure their home systems are protected with firewall security.

Create a mobile device action plan

If mobile devices have access to confidential information or the corporate network, they can pose significant security and management problems. To prevent thieves from using your phone’s public network, make sure that users password-protect and encrypt their data. Set up procedures to report equipment stolen or lost.

Backup copies of business data and other important information should be made

Backup all data regularly. Word processing documents, databases, financial files and human resources files are all critical data. If possible, backup data every week or more often and keep the copies offsite or in a cloud.

You can control physical access to your computers by creating user accounts for each employee. Unauthorized individuals cannot access or use business computers. Laptops are easy targets for theft and can be lost so make sure to lock them away when they’re not being used. Each employee should have a unique user account and strong passwords. Only trusted IT support staff and key personnel should have administrative privileges.

Protect your Wi-Fi networks Secure your Wi-Fi networks for work. Make sure they are encrypted and hidden. Your wireless access point, or router, can be used to hide your Wi Fi network. It will not broadcast your network name (also known as the Service Set Identifier, SSID). Passwords are required to gain access to the router.

Use best practices for payment cards

Banks and processors should be consulted to ensure that the best tools and anti-fraud service are used. Your bank or processor may have additional security requirements. Separate payment systems from less secure programs. Don’t use the same computer for processing payments or surfing the Internet.

Limit access to data and information for employees, restrict authority to install software.

Access to all data systems should not be granted to one employee. Employees should be granted access only to the data systems they require for their job. They should also not be allowed to install software without permission.

Passwords and authentication

Employees should be required to use unique passwords, and that they change their passwords at least once every three months. Multi-factor authentication, which requires additional information to gain access, is something you might consider. Multi-factor authentication is available for accounts that are sensitive. Check with vendors who handle sensitive data, such as financial institutions.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you need more information about cybersecurity and how our team of IT experts can help.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Fayetteville, NC 28304
(910) 745-7776
http://manageditservicesfayetteville.com