2017 was officially called ‘the year of data breach’. A lot of organizations became the victims to cyberattacks and lost their clients’ private data, confidential information, and, naturally, money. Statistically, 9 out of 10 data breaches occur in the sphere of small business. Some organizations lack resources to protect themselves against hackers, while others do not even realize all the dangers they’re exposed to.
In this material, we’ll outline some tips on how to shield your company from a cyber breach.
Educate your team
The first step in protecting your business from hackers is educating the team. Acquaint your employees with the most up-to-date techniques implemented by cybercriminals and teach them to detect phishing emails and dubious links. Make sure, they understand how to encrypt important information, create strong passwords, properly file and keep data, as well as avoid all possible types of malware. You can also limit employees’ access to websites beyond the limits of their everyday duties, so that they simply had no opportunity to visit dangerous pages.
Encrypt the data you transmit
Hide valuable data using encryption tools, so that no one could get it without your permission. For this purpose, you can use high-end VPN solutions, as well as standard encryptions tools that accompany most operating systems. Read, for instance, a Cyber Ghost VPN review and check this user-friendly solution for your business. It’s also a great idea to install a reliable antivirus program and never use public Wi-Fi networks to transmit information. Make sure your business is protected at every step of its functioning.
Check your data and the way it’s stored regularly
Many organizations store important information in multiple locations. If you don’t know for sure where this sensitive data is kept, you might not even realize that it has fallen into the wrong hands. This is why it’s essential to monitor and protect your clients, partners, investors, and employees’ personally identifiable information. Keep it safely and appoint reliable specialists who will be responsible for this data and check how they carry out their responsibilities at least four times a year.
Use credit cards with EMV technology
Making small and major purchases, many organizations leave their finances vulnerable to theft in the case of a cyber breach. But as soon as they implement EMV technology, all the essential information becomes ‘closed’ to third parties. No one but the card owner can access it due to the “smart chip” and “chip plus signature”. An important advantage of such cards is that they create “dynamic” data encoded in a safe mode for each purchase and transaction, so that people having access to this information will always see, where and when the money was withdrawn. Besides, it’s impossible to create a false card of a kind and use it for financial operations, as “dynamic” data is valid for the original card only.
Following these simple steps will let your business have a better chance to resist to hacker attacks. You can also hire a cybersecurity specialist, who will assume most of the abovementioned responsibilities and take the safety of your business to a higher level.
