Editor's Note: Take a look at our featured best practice, Digital Transformation Strategy (145-slide PowerPoint presentation). Digital Transformation is being embraced by organizations across most industries, as the role of technology shifts from being a business enabler to a business driver. This has only been accelerated by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Thus, to remain competitive and outcompete in today's fast paced, [read more]
How to Strategize against Cyberattacks
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As the world moves on in technology and comes up with exciting innovations every day, people are enjoying the numerous benefits this can bring to personal and working lives. Yet, with such evolution comes a number of new threats that can impinge on the security of a computer. Famed companies like PayPal are often the targets of large-scale cyber attacks which can compromise sensitive information. When businesses get hacked, it isn’t just one person who sees the impact. Though these threats are real, there is still a whole host of simple tips you can follow which will ensure your private data is kept safe.
Don’t use the same password for everything
Just as you are recommended to vary your passwords for personal accounts, the same is suggested for business ones. If you use the same password and a hacker finds out your password to one site, they have then gained access to all other private networks and files you may use, as well as those deeper inside the business. Make sure you include different characters and numbers to make your password harder to crack. Most importantly, don’t use your birthday or a special occasion simply because it is easy for you to remember. If you are struggling to remember passwords, you could write them down in a safe place where cyber threats won’t ever see.
Invest in security software
Rarely has a company had no security software and not seen a cyber breach. Having the right security to protect your hardware is imperative if you want to keep information safe. Not only this, but as many applications are now moving online to a cloud-based system, this makes them easier targets for threats. Investing in a virtual software will ensure you have the same level of protection for your online information if you conduct regular scans. Several specialized companies such as Bytes offer unrivaled protection for businesses.
Update software regularly
Having a great security software in place will help you in the short term, but it won’t do any good if you don’t keep up to date with security updates. Most software will notify you on when they need to perform a system update, so you can easily keep hackers from noticing any cracks in the software that may have emerged over time.
Be careful about what you download
Many cyber attacks come about when someone downloads software from an online source which isn’t protected. By downloading such files, you are essentially opening your door and inviting them in to see what you have inside, and this puts all your information at risk. The same is true for businesses that use Android devices, as there have been instances of fake and dangerous apps being available in the Google Play store. If you verify the security certificate or run checks on the site before you download, you should be good to continue.
Don’t give out your personal data
If you are signing up to a new product that requires your email, personal or business address, and any other information that would make you a target, then you need to make sure this information will be protected and not sent on to third parties. You can usually find out how you can trust a company by reading the terms and conditions.
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Gain the knowledge and develop the expertise to become an expert in Digital Transformation. Our frameworks are based on the thought leadership of leading consulting firms, academics, and recognized subject matter experts. Click here for full details.
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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About Shane Avron
Shane Avron is a freelance writer, specializing in business, general management, enterprise software, and digital technologies. In addition to Flevy, Shane's articles have appeared in Huffington Post, Forbes Magazine, among other business journals.Top 10 Recommended Documents on Cyber Security
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