These days it's imperative to train your staff how to use Wi-Fi networks safely. Hackers are looking to penetrate business networks to steal valuable information. Here are ways to reduce the chances of a breach by using the right cyber security for employees.
Your Wi-Fi connection is only as safe as the devices that connect with it. If someone connects to your network with an infected device, it can cause problems across your system, including data loss. Using 24/7 monitoring software is an automated approach. You can also work with a managed services provider that performs network monitoring for you.
Keeping your software updated is fundamental to a network. Once hackers learn software vulnerabilities, they can exploit them. However, a quality software developer offers updates that fix bugs and security risks. You can configure certain applications to update automatically. Nevertheless, you should still periodically check your software to ensure you're running the most current version.
It's important to back up all critical data you cannot afford to lose. That way, your company won't have to comply with a ransomware attacker's demands. Many firms only save critical data that will be used in the future and delete data that doesn't have long-term value. If you don't have an in-house IT team to handle this basic but necessary task, you can outsource to an IT consultancy.
Be aware that about 46 percent of small businesses have experienced a ransomware threat in recent years. As long as you periodically back up important files, you can mitigate the damage attempted by ransomware attackers. As a helpful security measure, you should consider encrypting your data.
Even though any business can get hacked, you can reduce the odds of a breach by building strong security layers across your network. The companies most likely to suffer a breach are those that leave themselves wide open to attacks by being careless. Employee error is a leading reason why breaches occur in the first place. Ransomware typically unleashes on a system when an unsuspecting employee clicks an infected link.
A good way to reduce the possibility of a hacker sneaking into employee accounts is to insist on complex rather than simple passwords. Using your first name as a password, for example, helps the hacker. The more complex the password is, the less likely the account will be hacked with basic hacking software that tests simple passwords. It further helps to use multi-factor authentication to log in to accounts. That means adding a PIN or security question to the login process.
Make sure your employees follow your company policy on using your business network. You probably don't want to invite trouble by letting employees visit nefarious websites where illegal downloads occur. You can enforce your policy by blacklisting specific websites, including popular social media networks.
Your network policy should be absolutely clear on how employees using company accounts or devices may post content on social networks. You probably don't want employees, for example, to discuss internal company matters in a public forum. Be aware that cybercriminals use social networks to build profiles of the victims they target. Also, make it a priority to explain your cyber security to employees to make them feel comfortable using your network. Be sure to inform them how to spot suspicious emails.
Along with the steps mentioned above, it is also crucial to purchase adequate cyber insurance coverage. Cyber insurance covers any financial losses resulting from cyber events and incidents along with costs related to legal assistance, investigators, customer refunds, etc. At Fuller Insurance Agency, we offer cyber liability exposure insurance customized to your requirements and budget. Our insurance experts can develop a policy specifically tailored for your business to provide maximum protection. Contact us for all your questions related to cyber insurance.
