SolarWinds’s massive cybersecurity hack in 2020 taught us some valuable lessons. First and foremost, it exposed the fact that even the most sophisticated (or seemingly so) computer systems are vulnerable.
With cybercrime having pushed the $6 trillion mark in 2021 alone, the event also put pressure on business owners across the world to up their cybersecurity game. If you’re concerned about the digital security of your company, here are some strategies to help you create a safe and secure online environment for your business to operate in.
With cybercrime having pushed the $6 trillion mark in 2021 alone, the event also put pressure on … [+]
1. Look for the Signs
There are many signs that accompany cybercrime activity. Some are well known, like an email request to send money to a prince in Nigeria. However, others are more sophisticated. For instance, a fraudulent salesman or customer service rep might act oblivious in an attempt to get information.
The AP automation experts at Paymerang have created the acronym ABCD (Aggressor, Bouncer, Clueless, and Desperately hasty) to identify security risks, particularly in the area of vendor impersonation fraud.
Whether it’s a discomforting conversation, an odd email, or anything else, it’s wise to research common cybersecurity threats and how to detect them. Then communicate this information to your team.
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2. Think Beyond Tech
Cybersecurity threats can come from in-person individuals just as much as they can come from computers. Case in point: Twitter’s high-profile cryptocurrency scam back in mid-2020.
The event primarily focused on a teenage perpetrator and serial cybercriminal. However, it also included individuals from within Twitter itself. In fact, Twitter explained (via TechCrunch) that the event involved “a coordinated social engineering attack by people who successfully targeted some of our employees with access to internal systems and tools.”
This leads to a simple-yet-critical cybersecurity strategy: know your people. A good security system is worthless if it isn’t backed up by competent and dependable individuals. Hire your IT and cybersecurity team with care.
3. Don’t Collect Unnecessary Data
Modern businesses operate in a data-driven world. Naturally, this makes the collection of data of all sorts a valuable activity.
However, if you want to maintain a clean, safe operation, it’s important that you exercise self-control as you gather people’s information. Remember, the more information you gather, the more data you need to protect.
As a general rule, try not to gather any info that isn’t essential to your business’s operational success. Even basic items like someone’s age or personal preferences can be used against them in the hands of a cybercriminal. Keep your data collection streamlined and focused.
4. Set Up a Secure Network
Cybersecurity starts with your network. Safeguarding your Wi-Fi and databases against cyber threats is a great initial level of protection.
The Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable suggests several ways to go about creating a safe work environment, such as:
- Setting up firewalls;
- Encrypting information;
- Hiding and password protecting your Wi-Fi network;
- Backing up your databases on a regular basis.
Creating a solid data infrastructure for your business is ground zero for a work environment that is safe from cyber criminals.
5. Use Thorough Cybersecurity Practices
Finally, make sure that you’re being smart in the little areas. There are countless ways that you can safeguard your company from external threats.
For example, encourage employees and customers alike to create strong passwords, use two-factor authentication, and so on. These may feel like run-of-the-mill solutions, but they’re well worth the effort.
In fact, as recently as 2019 Microsoft reported that multi-factor authentication was 99% effective in blocking account hacks. Sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference.
In addition, set up clear protocols for how data is managed within your company. Train employees to dispose of hardware correctly and explain how a cybersecurity threat should be handled.
Being proactive about your cybersecurity measures is one of the best ways to avoid problems down the road.
Cybercrime is a serious threat that continues to plague businesses around the globe. While recent events and statistics show that no business is immune, every company can take steps to ensure that it is operating in a safe manner.
So review the list above and consider where your cybersecurity is falling short. Then take steps to ameliorate the issue in the name of your own interests as well as those of your customers’.
