Business owners and managers often pass off any measures towards cybersecurity thinking that no hacker would ever trouble them. Malware and ransomware attacks often seem like far-off incidents, but the truth is that anyone and everyone can be a victim of such an attack. Individuals who especially believe that they do not have much to be targeted become victims of such attacks and they have their guard down the most and take little to no measures to ensure their business’ cybersecurity. Managers should make every effort to protect their businesses from a malware or ransomware attack, identity theft, or financial fraud. Listed below are a few steps your business can take to protect itself from a cyberattack:
- Use strong passwords
Managers should ensure that all their employees use strong passwords that are difficult to guess. Employees should also refrain from using the same password for multiple platforms, and their passwords should be updated regularly in a systematic manner. Employees should use uppercase and lowercase letters, alphanumeric and special characters in their passwords, and try to refrain from using common information such as the first year, parent’s name, or their pet’s name in their password.
- Apply two-factor authentication
Irrespective of how strong your employees’ passwords are, they are likely to make a mistake and compromise their safety. Hence, it is recommended that managers ensure that all their employees use two-factor authentication for all their company-related logins. Two-factor authentication requires employees to give additional information in addition to their password to confirm that it is them that is logging in to their account. This helps protect them from identity theft and any monetary attack.
- Install anti-malware software
Companies should install anti-malware software in all their usable devices and also update such software regularly. One of the most common methods of malware attacks is through phishing emails that contain unsafe links, and anti-malware software flare up whenever employees try to access a link, email, or download something that could potentially harm their device. Anti-malware software should also be updated regularly to ensure that any new improvements in the software are present to protect them and fortify their devices.
- Backup company data regularly
Companies should back up their data regularly to ensure that none of their data gets lost in case of a malware attack. Companies should back up all relevant company documents such as spreadsheets, word documents, invoices, financial sheets, HR and payroll information, etc. Companies should maintain these backups in a remote and secure location, and should regularly schedule a data backup.
- Create cybersecurity protocols
Companies should ensure that they create written and well-explained cyber security protocols for all their employees to follow. This ensures that all their employees are well-informed about the said protocols and can look up information in case they ever have a question. Rather than relying on word-of-mouth protocols and verbally communicating the same, employers and managers should create well-written documents and contain all possible details regarding cybersecurity, and regarding what to do in case of a security breach.
- Educate employees and ensure compliance
Simply having all protocols in writing is not enough and managers also need to ensure that their employees are educated about the given protocols. In addition to knowing about them, employees should also comply with the given protocols. Employees need to be educated about the risks associated with malware attacks and how in addition to company information, the employee’s personal information could also be at risk. One employee’s mistake could potentially bring down the entire company’s systems, and the cost of an employee’s negligence should be communicated to them to ensure that they stay responsible and be aware of their actions at all times.