How Can Businesses Avoid Getting Hacked?

Cyberattacks have been on the rise globally, but businesses in particular are some of the prime suspects that are targeted by attackers. Small business specifically account for over 43% of targeted attacks; this statistic is staggering because small businesses on average go out of business 6 months after a cyberattack. There are several precautions businesses can take to reduce the chance of a cyberattack. Here are several methods businesses can use to prevent hacking:

Educating Your Team:

• Having annual training that covers the majority of your business’ security protocols helps ensure that your team is competent enough to recognize and prevent incidents leading to hacking
• Educating your team allows you to clearly communicate the impact of hacking on your business. This will help your staff know cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility

Secure your data and software:

• Many businesses continue to use outdated software programs in their daily operations. This is one of the worst ways to make your business susceptible to hacking. Ensuring your business utilizes the latest version of a software program protects you from any holes in your program’s security
• Your business and its employees should only utilize secured networks when working on business-related activities. Not all free wi-fi connections accompanies risks that include spying, unencrypted networks and distribution of malware.
• Businesses can use virtual private networks (VPNs) to add a security layer to their network which requires external parties to enter a password

Improve Password Management:

• Passwords can be both the most secure and compromising aspects of your business’ security. Companies with strong password management protocols are far more likely to be victims of hacking in comparison to companies that have weak or non-existent password management systems.
• A password management system can be a cost-effective solution to improve your business’ password security. Many of these systems can generate, encrypt and safely store passwords for all the employees in a business. These systems can be a safeguard to ensure everyone in your business is using strong passwords and can reset their passwords safely

Two-factor Authentication:

• Two-factor authentication requires an additional code after entering a password. This notifies employees whenever someone has tried to access their account by sending an authentication code to them.
• Also, two factor authentication allows businesses to act swiftly in case a hacking incident occurs. This is extremely helpful because two-factor authentication provides a timeline of when someone accessed an account and where.
• Two-factor authentication allows employees to diversify the avenues that protect their login security. With two-factor authentication, employees can receive calls, SMS messages or emails to sign in to their account; this ultimately makes it very difficult for attackers to get a hold of sign in data to attack your business.

5 Ways To Improve Your CyberSecurity Posture