Cyberattacks typically target critical business practices and use unprotected security systems to breach into companies and gain entry.
Utilizing modern hardware security features is key to maintaining system integrity. In order to make use of existing resources effectively, older devices should receive regular hardware refreshes. When employees leave an organization, any unused accounts should be deleted to protect from criminal use of those accounts by criminals seeking unwarranted access.
Install Security Software
Digital assets refer to any assets created for your business that exist either as digital files or can be converted to one, from marketing images and product photos to illustrated workflow documentation and apps/websites/other digital formats.
Cyber attacks range from email phishing scams and ransomware, which encrypt files for ransom. Other targeted cyberattacks, like Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) or Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), may also occur and require payment before decryption can take place.
Keep your executive cyber security protection up-to-date by responding promptly to software update prompts as these may contain critical security upgrades. In addition, ensure you regularly wipe hard drives of equipment or software no longer used and dispose of it using crosscut shredders for paper and electronic devices.
Update Your Security Software
Best cyber security practices for companies include regularly changing passwords, installing an advanced antivirus software program, backing up data, and using encryption. In addition, companies should consider investing in a cyber insurance policy to cover business losses caused by any breaches in digital assets.
Investing in modern hardware and software can significantly strengthen your company’s cyber defenses and decrease the likelihood of system failure which could compromise critical information or user credentials.
Make sure that you’re adhering to update notifications for operating systems and software, checking CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog for any software your company utilizes and updating according to vendor instructions. Also consider using Lansweeper cyber scanning software to discover all devices within your network and identify vulnerabilities which need addressing.
Install Antivirus Software
Malware attacks such as viruses, worms, Trojan horses and ransomware are the most prevalent cyber attacks. Malware often exploits insecure security systems or human factors – password attacks, social engineering schemes, phishing attempts or software code with malicious intentions being among their sources of origin.
Once malware or ransomware attacks have been identified, swift action must be taken immediately to mitigate them. This includes disconnecting infected systems from any network connections including wireless ones; changing credentials; resetting passwords and making sure no sensitive data remains on their devices; disconnecting them from all network connections including wireless ones and disconnecting all wired ones as soon as possible; changing passwords quickly to reset them and ensure no sensitive data remains on them; disconnecting devices connected directly or wirelessly and taking all other measures possible until remediation can take place.
As part of your cybersecurity plan, it is also crucial that a backup plan be put into effect should any digital assets become affected by cyber attacks. Furthermore, businesses should invest in cyber insurance coverage to help safeguard themselves against financial losses that might occur from an attack.
Install Firewall
An effective firewall is key in keeping hackers from accessing your business computer systems. Install it on every device used online for work purposes – especially portable business devices like laptops – to safeguard against hackers. Update regularly so as to stop attacks.
Cybercriminals often target the most critical business practices, and if they manage to breach them they can cause extensive damage quickly. To protect against such attacks it is vital that any external vendors or third-party suppliers have adequate cybersecurity plans in place in order to safeguard your assets and avoid attacks from cybercriminals.
Enforce the importance of keeping company data confidential by having employees, freelancers, contractors, and clients sign non-disclosure agreements to reassert its importance. Always shred old CDs, USB keys and media with a crosscut shredder before donating or disposing it off. Also encourage employees who use personal computers for work to install firewall software as well as keeping antivirus and other security updates current.
Install Anti-Spyware Software
Cyber threats come in all shapes and sizes; viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware and adware can be among the many attacks your computer could face. Malware programs vary greatly in their threat potential; some might only steal personal information or even hijack it to attack other computers – while others could steal private details or hijack systems to takeover other victims’ systems for attack purposes.
Spyware is software that collects your personal information to send pop-up ads or track websites you visit; in more extreme cases, it captures what you type on the keyboard and sends it off to an attacker. A good anti-spyware program will quickly identify and remove such threats from your computer.
Before donating or disposing of old CDs, flash drives and other equipment, be sure to completely delete their content. Also be wary of free downloadable software as it could contain spyware that will affect your computer. Finally, pay attention when clicking links within pop-up windows; clicking them could install malicious software onto your system.
Use Anti-Theft Software
Cyber attacks occur when hackers exploit security loopholes and weaknesses within an organization, usually taking advantage of vulnerabilities within software supply chains or exploiting vulnerabilities within security protocols. Common cyber attacks include ransomware (malware that encrypts victim’s files), phishing scams, software supply chain malware as well as denial-of-service attacks – just to name a few!
Updating all equipment and software reduces vulnerabilities to attack. Consider taking measures such as purchasing cybersecurity insurance that provides financial compensation if your digital assets are ever compromised.
To protect against such risks, a robust backup and redundancy plan is crucial. This should include cyber insurance to cover costs when digital assets are accessed by hackers or other threats on the internet. Here is Part Two of five installments focused on best practices on how to protect digital assets.
Avoid unlicensed software which could contain malware. Installing hardware security features that only permit secure software to run can further mitigate risk.
By having employees, contractors, freelancers, clients and consultants sign non-disclosure agreements to protect your information, it will help prevent anyone from taking critical data or systems from your business. Before giving away or disposing of old hardware or software, make sure all sensitive information has been deleted – this includes wiping all hard drives. Furthermore, paper documents should also be destroyed before disposal with crosscut shredders for maximum security.
Train employees on data security best practices and foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness. Implement a disaster recovery plan (DRP), covering business continuity, offsite backups, system reconstitution and logs; this will help mitigate cyberattacks’ impacts while cyber insurance can cover costs related to investigating and mitigating them.