How to Prevent Cyber Attacks

No business, large or small, is immune to a well-executed cyberattack. So, what’s the best way to counteract one? You guessed it, an ever better-planned cybersecurity strategy.

Here are seven effective strategies to integrate into your company’s cyberattack prevention plan. Use these to protect from the most common threats.

1. Educate and train your staff

All employees should understand a crucial point: one of the easiest ways for cybercriminals to breach networks is through…them! This reality highlights the importance of training employees about the dangers of suspicious emails, links, email addresses, and other unusual requests. Employees should never assume all malware and phishing attempts are obvious. On the contrary – some are very cleverly disguised. All employees should be trained upon their hiring, and every year thereafter.

2. Install a Firewall and Anti-Virus software

Install anti-virus software on every computer, and make sure updates are kept up with. Firewalls aren’t fail safe, but they will certainly add a valuable layer of protection. Firewalls control any incoming and outgoing traffic and can often detect attacks before they are able to do serious damage.

3. Make data backup a priority

Once large amounts of data are corrupted or lost, it’s usually too late. In the blink of an eye, your business could be in serious danger. Make regular data backups a priority. Likewise, make copies of extremely important files, documents and data.

4. Keep your systems updated

When systems aren’t running the latest software, they are at increased vulnerability. Think of it like walking around with untreated gash on your arm. Sure – you’re not guaranteed to get an infection, but might I suggest some Neosporin and a Bandaid? Software updates can be a bit annoying, but one of the main reasons they exist is to repair software vulnerabilities that protect against cyber threats.

5. Secure your WiFi networks

The importance of securing your wireless networks can’t be stressed enough. Any infected device connected to an unsecure network can compromise your entire system. In a company with hundreds of devices, securing your WiFi is key.

6. Use multi-factor authentication

Having just a single password and login for your company’s applications is not enough these days. Passwords can be weak and adding an extra step can stop hackers in their tracks. To read more about the importance of two-factor authentication, click here.

7. Manage employee access to data

Let’s not beat around the bush with this one – it’s extremely important that companies control levels of employee access to sensitive data. By taking a systematic approach to access, it will be much easier to identify potential vulnerabilities and catch mischievous activity in real time. It also sends a clear message to employees about the importance of staying vigilant. Remember, most successful cyberattacks require oversights on the part of company personnel.

By creating a cyberattack prevention plan, you will reduce the risk of a breach taking your business backwards. Need help planning or implementing a cybersecurity strategy? Contact our IT Consulting professionals today.