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When COVID-19 was running rampant, millions of workers stayed away from the office and got their work done from home. This helped mitigate the spread of the disease, but also led to more and more companies adopting cloud-based and digital solutions for their operations. With so much data being stored online and on servers, security is absolutely paramount. However, it can be hard to know where to start. You might think that having passwords for all of your applications and devices is enough, but the fact is that more is needed. Here are some tips to properly protect your business from cyber threats.
Encryption
Encrypting data when it is sent out or comes in will help keep it safe from data thieves. Essentially, encryption takes data and translates it into a code that cannot be easily cracked or deciphered. Only those with permission can access that data after it’s encrypted.
Your entire network should be encrypted so that you can send and receive data under protection and without fear. If you have people working remotely, you can have a virtual private network (VPN) installed on their devices which will encrypt data even when the user is not on-site and using the company network.
XDR Security
XDR stands for extended detection and response. XDR security technology lightens your team’s workload through automating the process of mitigating, detecting, and recording incidents– greatly improving response times and security workflows. It can be managed remotely, and will find malware and malicious code even if it is very well-hidden. With XDR, you can be covered at every access point in your network so that nothing malicious and unwanted is allowed to get through.
Two-Step Authentication
Most businesses require their employees to have passwords for certain programs and cloud-based applications that they use for work processes. However, using passwords can be dangerous. Many hackers are able to employ password “guessing” software or other techniques to steal passwords and access data that you don’t want them to access.
Two-step, or multi-factor, authorization is a way to prevent this. It requires more than just the step of entering a password. You must also follow through with another form of verification. It may be entering a code that is tested directly to your phone, for example. This extra level of security makes it hard for criminals to access your data without stealing your phone or whatever device you need to pass verification.
Anti-Malware Protection
There seem to be public alerts and PSA’s released every day about phishing scams. The reason that these scams continue to be perpetrated is that they work. There are people who open up emails from senders they’ve never heard of and end up downloading malicious software onto their computers. This can end up not just “infecting” other people, but also damaging devices and causing data loss. Any one of your employees can make a mistake that will lead to these tragic consequences. By installing anti-malware software, you can prevent phishing attacks from being harmful, even if someone makes a mistake and clicks on an infected attachment.
Have Policies in Place for Data and Device Handling
Cyber security is a team effort. If there are people on your team that don’t understand their responsibilities, then you are going to have problems. You need documented policies in place to govern how your employees handle sensitive information and their devices. These policies must include guidance on storage, transportation of devices outside of the office, and safe internet usage. Never leave it to chance that your staff will already know what to do. Make sure that they have the training and information they need to be smart with their choices when it comes to data protection.
Regular Backups
You can, and should, take all of the necessary precautions to prevent data theft and breaches. However, they could still happen. If they do, you may lose access to your information and your business could be crippled until your IT specialists figure out solutions to recoup that data. Unfortunately, there’s a good chance that they are never able to.
However, if you back up your data on a regular basis, then any breaches or failures will only be short-term. Your data will be ready to go and you can be back up and running in no time. Backing up can be very simple. There are many cloud solutions that will handle backups automatically for you. You should still check on a regular basis to make sure that everything is backing up properly, however. You can also use an external solution such as a USB stick or a hard drive. These should be password protected and be kept somewhere secure off site. That way if there is a floor or a fire you will not lose all of your backed up data.
Protect Your Devices
Many devices, such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets, offer additional security. This can mean fingerprint and pattern authentication, face recognition, and PINs instead of passwords. Make sure that your devices have all security options enabled, and that the software is always up to date. This will ensure that any security patches are installed and protecting your device.
You can leverage services such as Scythe.io to assess your vulnerabilities and increase your security team’s effectiveness.
Don’t take chances with your business! A data loss or a breach can be devastating. Take these steps to make sure that your business is protected from cyber threats.
18-page Word document
This Word Document provides a template for an IT Security & Governance Policy and is easily customisable. Areas cover are: Security, Data Back-Up, Virus Protection, Internet & Email usage, Remote & 3rd Party Network Access, User-Account Management, Procurement, Asset Management and IS Service
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Digital Transformation is being embraced by organizations of all sizes across most industries. In the Digital Age today, technology creates new opportunities and fundamentally transforms businesses in all aspects—operations, business models, strategies. It not only enables the business, but also drives its growth and can be a source of Competitive Advantage.
For many industries, COVID-19 has accelerated the timeline for Digital Transformation Programs by multiple years. Digital Transformation has become a necessity. Now, to survive in the Low Touch Economy—characterized by social distancing and a minimization of in-person activities—organizations must go digital. This includes offering digital solutions for both employees (e.g. Remote Work, Virtual Teams, Enterprise Cloud, etc.) and customers (e.g. E-commerce, Social Media, Mobile Apps, etc.).
Learn about our Digital Transformation Best Practice Frameworks here.
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