Top Tips for Keeping your Business Secure online

In today’s digital age, businesses must take steps to protect themselves online. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their methods and becoming more sophisticated, so it’s important to stay ahead of the curve. Here are some truly top tips for keeping your business secure online.

Use strong passwords.

Use strong passwords and keep them confidential. Passwords should be at least eight characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid using easily guessed words like “password” or your company name. Change your passwords regularly, and don’t reuse passwords for different accounts. Use a password manager or even just write them down – as long as they’re not kept somewhere obvious.

By using strong passwords, you can make it much harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your accounts.

Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.

Two-factor authentication (also known as 2FA) is an extra layer of security that requires users to provide two key pieces of information when logging in. This could be a password and a one-time code generated by an app, or a fingerprint and a PIN. Enabling 2FA makes it much harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your accounts, even if they have your password.

Two-factor authentication can actually be required for some accounts, such as your email account. Check with the provider of your critical accounts to see if they offer two-factor authentication and enable it if they do.

Create strong backup policies.

If your business’s data is compromised or lost, it can be devastating. That’s why it’s important to create strong backup policies and make sure your data is regularly backed up. By having a truly good backup strategy in place, you can minimize the damage caused by a cyberattack or data loss.

Strong backup policies should include regular backups, stored offsite in a secure location. Backups should fundamentally be tested regularly to ensure they are working properly.

Be vigilant about phishing attacks.

Phishing attacks are one of the most common methods used by cybercriminals to steal information. These attacks involve sending fraudulent emails or text messages purporting to be from legitimate companies or organizations. Be vigilant about any unsolicited communications asking for confidential information and do not click on any links or any attachments unless you are absolutely sure they are safe.

Phishing attacks can also involve phone calls. Be suspicious of any unsolicited calls from people asking for personal or financial information.

Embrace the principle of least privilege.

The principle of least privilege is actually a security principle that recommends granting users only the permissions they need to perform their duties. This helps to minimize the risk of a cyberattack, as users with fewer privileges are less likely to be targeted by hackers.

There are organizations that can assist you in embracing the least privilege principle. Sonrai Security are one of the best. Try searching Sonrai Security least privilege and check out the information on their site to get you started.

Keep your software up to date.

One of the simplest and truly most effective ways to boost your cybersecurity is to keep your software up to date. Operating systems, apps, and plugins are constantly being updated with security patches that help to protect against new threats. Make sure all the software on your devices is set to update automatically, so you don’t have to remember to do it manually. You should also check for updates for any plugins or add-ons you use regularly.

Invest in a good antivirus program.

Antivirus software can’t protect you from every threat out there, but it’s still an important part of any security strategy. Look for a program that offers real-time protection, scheduled scans, and email protection. Some antivirus programs also include features like firewalls and parental controls.

A good antivirus program should also be regularly updated with the latest definitions to protect against the latest threats. It should also be able to scan your devices for malware and ransomware. Remember that no antivirus program is 100% effective, so it’s important to have other security measures in place as well.

Use a VPN when browsing the web.

A VPN (a virtual private network) is a tool that helps to protect your privacy online. It creates a special encrypted connection between your device and the VPN server, so your data is hidden from prying eyes. This can be truly useful when you’re connecting to public Wi-Fi networks or when you’re using a public computer.

There are many VPN services available, both free and paid for. Be sure to research the different options before choosing one.

Be careful about what you click on.

One of the most common ways for cybercriminals to gain access to your system is by tricking you into clicking on a malicious link or attachment. Be careful about what you click on, even if it comes from a trusted source. If you’re not sure whether something is safe, don’t click on it.

This is key to remember as you develop your cybersecurity strategy. This is because there are many ways for cybercriminals to infect your device with malware, and one-click can be all it takes.

Backup your data regularly 

In the event of a ransomware attack or other data loss incident, having a backup can be a lifesaver. Make sure you back up your data regularly and store backups in a safe, off-site location. Cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive are a good option, or you could use an external hard drive.

Back up your data regularly in order to protect yourself from data loss. You should also test your backups to make sure they are working properly.

Stay up to date with the latest security threats

It’s important to keep up to date with the latest security threats so that you can take steps to protect yourself and your business. Security vendors release new patches and updates regularly, so it’s important to install them as soon as they become available.

You can stay up to date with the latest security threats by subscribing to security newsletters, following security blogs, and attending security conferences.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the many things you can do to improve your cybersecurity. Implementing these tips will help to protect your business from online threats and keep your data safe. Remember to stay vigilant and keep up to date with the latest security threats so that you can take steps to protect your business.