10 things that will reduce your business' risk of a cyberattack

The fact that hackers haven’t compromised your business does not mean you are safe. As the proceeds from cyberattacks become more lucrative, hackers have become more motivated and savvy. Companies are now losing $2,900,000 every minute to cyberattacks.

These unscrupulous individuals typically take advantage of the weak cybersecurity measures that are employed by businesses and other organizations.

So, what can you do to reduce your risks of being hit by a cyberattack?

1. Stay up-to-date

Hackers are always on the lookout for vulnerabilities within software systems. When they find weaknesses, the concerned software developer reacts immediately to patch up these flaws. Consequently, it is good to regularly update your software as soon as any new updates are released.

2. Create strong passwords

If unauthorized individuals break into your systems, they will have access to your private data, identity, and even money. This is why you need strong passwords that can’t be guessed or easily cracked by hackers. A strong password should be long and use a combination of characters. In addition, it shouldn’t use any of your personal information.

3. Use multi-factor authentication

It will be challenging for hackers to steal your information if you are protecting it with multi-factor authentication. That’s because the long and difficult process of accessing your data can deter them.

Multi-factor authentication combines two security elements to create an extra layer of security. This means that the username and password will be joined by a new verification check. The second security element could be your USB card, keycard, or cellphone. Other multi-factor authentication systems use biometric data such as fingerprints or iris scans.

4. Identify phishing emails

A phishing email is a malicious email that tries to mimic communication from a legitimate organization. For example, you may be tricked into thinking that the email is from an online store, online payment website, credit networking company, or bank. That is why you should teach your employees how to identify phishing emails.

A phishing email will claim that it has detected some suspicious activities in your online account. Others may encourage you to click on a certain link.

5. Conduct security awareness training

Regular cybersecurity awareness training can reduce your business’s exposure to cyberattacks. This ensures that your workforce knows the potential threats and corresponding measures. You are at liberty to choose any training method, but a combination of physical and computer-based modules will be most effective.

6. Backup your data

Data loss often occurs in the aftermath of a cyberattack. This situation will not devastate the business if you have implemented backup and recovery. Creating a backup and recovery system involves copying your current data and storing it in a secure place.

7. Secure mobile devices

Your organization’s smartphones and tablets must operate within a secure environment. To create such a secure environment, you should come up with mobile device usage rules and guidelines. In addition, you should encrypt the mobile devices and restrict access to a few authorized individuals.

8. Introduce endpoint protection

End-user devices have entry points with minimal security protection. Consequently, it would help if you secured the networks and other entry points of your smartphones, laptops, and tablets. This process should go beyond the traditional antivirus software and venture into protection against advanced zero-day attacks.

9. Formulate a cybersecurity plan

A cybersecurity strategy is necessary to protect your digital assets. A cybersecurity plan is a document outlining your organization’s security countermeasures, procedures, and policies. If you create the right cybersecurity strategy, you will move away from responding to cyberattacks and move towards protecting them. A cybersecurity plan will also be ideal for businesses recovering from cyberattacks.

10. Hire a cybersecurity expert

In some instances, protecting your business against cyberattacks requires expertise and time that may not be available. This is a challenge that can be solved by the hiring of a professional cybersecurity expert. And that is exactly what the GDR Group does. We go beyond the traditional cybersecurity defense mechanisms by adopting holistic and comprehensive digital protection strategies.