Even the smallest businesses are realizing that online threats such as cyber criminals and data brokers are common, which is why having a reliable infrastructure is vital for businesses that want to ensure their online safety. Infrastructure integrity refers to the system that you have in place that promotes safety and security; this system includes but not limited to firewalls, antivirus software and backups. If your business hasn’t invested in additional cybersecurity, you’re putting your organization, sensitive data, and brand at risk.  Here are some tips and start points in making cybersecurity a priority to keep your business safe from online threats.

Restrict and Control Access to Your Networks

Your IT department or MSP can restrict and control access to your network, which is one of the best ways to keep online threats at bay. Poorly secured networks are a goldmine for cyber criminals looking to steal personal data. Even a single breach can cost a business around one million dollars thanks to ransomware and poor password usage.

Best practices to avoid ransomware password breaches is by ensuring that each employee has their own account and passwords for critical processes, and data policy mandating refraining from sharing this information with anyone. Your company should also set up appropriate levels of access for employees, so that junior employees can’t access more important financial records, client information or trade secrets. This information should be strictly for senior employees. Running a dark web scan is a good step to understand if anyone in your organization has been breached.

Updates & Patching

Probably the number one most critical component in prevention managed by your internal IT or MSP is to keep all software updated to the latest releases to protect against emerging threats. If you do not keep your operating system and applications up to date, you are running severe risks; it is like leaving your home unlocked, anyone can break in at any time. New methods of hacking are discovered every day, and your system must be updated to defend against new threats.

Conduct Cybersecurity Awareness Training

This next component is more advanced but well worth the investment. Recognizing and responding to the severity of cyber security threats is crucial for all employees of a company. Cyber security must be taken seriously, and the best way to start is by educating your team. By incorporating new employee orientation that covers topics such as the importance of passwords and being mindful of attachments and links, you are efficiently training your employees

Simulate a Breach – Pen Testing

Just like schools conduct fire and earthquake drills, cybersecurity companies should be running mock break-ins to keep companies on their toes. Your company should engage with cybersecurity companies for penetration testing, in which professionals will attempt to gain access to your networks under supervision. This should be planned out in advance and administered and monitored via certified personal utilizing a SIEM to identify, track and diffuse the drill.

Except for PEN Testing, the steps are considered basics building blocks in Cyber Security, depending on if your organization deals in sensitive information, credit card or banking transactions, and or has mandated compliance or insurance requirements, it will benefit you to run a baseline security assessment which would lend a clear understanding of where you stand currently and if additional measures are required.

For more information on Cyber Security education/awareness and protection/remediation services click here or contact our J2 Cyber Security team of experts at 248.219.4097 or email info@j2itgroup.com