The world of information technology is complex and constantly changing. So are the threats presented by the purveyors of ransomware and other bad actors. It’s a lot – maybe too much – to keep up with, and some business owners might reach a point where they just throw up their hands and hope for the best.
Please don’t be one of them. You may not have the time or capability to do everything you should do on the cybersecurity front, but there are a few reasonably simple steps you can take that will make your business a less attractive target. Here’s a quick look:
Enable MFA: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is one of the simplest, and most important, defenses against cyber threats. Yes, it can be a pain to wait for the text message and enter the code, but it’s well worth it to make sure the person logging in is who they say they are.
Make sure MFA is required across the board: remote employees as well as those on site, and mobile devices as well as PCs. An ounce of inconvenience can save you many tons of heartache and expense.
Update, update, update: Make it someone’s responsibility to check frequently for updates and patches. Obviously, this covers operating systems and major software, but also devices like firewalls and VPNs. And don’t forget all those connected gadgets that make life easier … Internet of Things (IoT) devices are increasingly becoming points of entry for hackers, so be sure to check for firmware updates that often correct vulnerabilities.
Train the team: We can’t say it often enough … the weakest link in your defenses always has been, and always will be, human beings. Make it a point to schedule brief sessions aimed at identifying phishing attempts, recognizing social engineering ploys, and handling data safely. And then rinse and repeat: cyber threats are always changing, and people forget a good deal of what they’ve learned, so schedule those sessions on a regular basis.
There’s no combination of solutions that’s guaranteed to be 100 percent effective. But just as a burglar might skip the house with the alarm system sign out front, a hacker will usually seek the softest targets. Acting on these basics will help keep your business from being one of them.
Questions about keeping your business cyber safe? Contact Hill Tech Solutions.
