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Cyber security is an industry that is only set to grow with the number of organizations that keep precious records and transactional information in regards to their customers and clients. It’s both important to keep records and sensitive information safe and it’s also important to safeguard yourself and your organization from hackers and other malicious online entities.
Recent headlines have even conveyed information about a cyber-criminal gang that hacked into Colonial Pipeline’s networks, taking it offline due to a ransomware cyber-attack.
Sources show that even a common, run-of-the-mill cyber attack can cost a business around $200,000, and that price tag quickly increases due to the profile of the organization and the severity of the cyber-attack. Around 42% of cyber attacks happen to small businesses.
You might be wondering how you can protect yourself and your organization from cyber attacks. Below, we go over a few standard safety measures that will help ensure you don’t fall victim to costly online security breaches.
Accounts and Passwords
Make sure that you keep all of your account information and passwords stored in a safe place. When you’re creating a passcode for something important, create strong and unique passwords, and make sure that you don’t use the same password for multiple accounts and login portals.
You’ll also want to make sure that nobody else knows your passwords, or, that you only give that information to a select few individuals.
Keep All Software Up to Date
Make sure that you undergo all suggested updates when it comes to your software, which is crucial for mitigating ransomware. Installing all associated system and application updates will help remove any critical vulnerabilities, safeguarding you, your organization, and your sensitive information.
Use Two-Factor or Multi-Factor Authentication
Two-factor and multi-factor authentication is one way to add an extra layer of security to password and online authentication. You can customize your authentication to require a pin or even a fingerprint for access.
Avoid Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are becoming more and more sophisticated these days, so it’s important to be very wary of phone calls, emails, and even flyers. Make sure that you never give your personal information much less security information via these methods. Remember that 90% of ransomware attacks show up as a phishing scam.
Make sure that you don’t open emails from people who aren’t in your network — make sure to express this to any employees or associates as well.
If you receive a suspicious link, remember that you can hover over the link momentarily in order to see where the link will lead you to — it’s a good way to double-check in case you run into anything suspicious.
Businesses and individuals who work with augmented reality are especially susceptible to online security attacks. Virtual car showroom technology allows potential buyers to view and even virtually test drive inventory, but it also allows potential hackers in through the backdoor. Make sure that if you’re in an especially vulnerable position that you take extra online security precautions to ensure that you don’t fall victim to an attack.
