Conclusion: 12 Ways To Protect Your Business From A Cyber Security Attack

Monica Morris • Apr 10, 2018

As we wrap up our weekly series of 12 Ways To Protect Your Business From A Cyber Security Attack, here’s a quick review of what we covered. Hackers tend to consistently target small businesses because they have more assets than individuals and are also less protected compared to big corporations. According to the US House Committee on small businesses, 71% of all attacks are targeted at companies with less than 100 employees. So, it’s important for small business owners to continually protect their business’s assets. Below we’ve provided a summary of the 12 ways you can protect your business from cyber attacks.

1) Routine Security Assessment

One way to know the state of your business’s security is by conducting a regular security assessment of all your business assets. Threats could stay hidden and undetected indefinitely if you do not assess your business’s network’s security. It bolsters the security of your organization and the information you learn from the assessment can be used to develop preventative measures against a future attack thus increasing your awareness and those of your employees.

2) Email Filtering Protection

Email is at the heart of many business communications and operations. Unfortunately, a significant amount of emails received turn out to be spam or worse a phishing email used for stealing credentials. Valuable time is often wasted opening and deleting spam messages and some attackers do package malicious code that can hijack a system as email. Installing an advanced email filtering program can help in cutting down time wasted treating junk mail and prevent your organization’s system from being hacked.

3) Give Your Users Powerful Passwords

Businesses use passwords to restrict access to confidential data and resources but the purpose of a password can be defeated if there is no consistent powerful password policy across business operations. You can improve your business security by improving the password creation and resetting process. Your business should create policies that ensure periodic password change and enforces the creation of difficult to hack passwords. If attackers crack any of your business’ network passwords, they can inflict maximum damage, you can prevent such from happening by disallowing the creation of weak passwords.

4) Cybersecurity Awareness Training

To keep your business safe from attacks, awareness training is a must because employees are the weakest link to business security. Even if you have installed state-of-the-art security systems, attackers can still gain access to your networks if your employees don’t know about cybersecurity or they don’t follow the laid down rules due to ignorance. You need to organize or enroll your employees in awareness training so they are conversant with latest security threats and the best way to handle such threats.

5) Advanced Endpoint Protection(AEP)

Due to a large number of attacks being directed at businesses, simple security systems may not protect your business. You should install an AEP which is an advanced system that can block malicious files and programs from being executed on your systems. With its container technology, it is able to analyze and run suspicious files in a virtual container thus keeping your systems safe from infection. Its cost-effectiveness and its ability to reduce the incidents of data breaches make AEP an important arsenal in the defense of your business.

6) Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Hackers can get a hold of you or your employees’ passwords and operate like legitimate users undetected. Two-Factor Authentication(2FA) was developed to make such attacks less successful by making passwords useless without an additional verification method which is usually harder to get. 2FA makes your business more secure by requiring two separate means of confirming a user’s identity.

7) Updating Your OS

You need to update your OS to stay ahead of evolving threats. New viruses are being released every day and PC’s do slow down with time due to the accumulation of bugs and software errors. This is why OS vendors release regular updates to fix OS problems and protect your PC from latest attacks.

8) Dark Web Research

It is unusual to be able to use the tool of cybercriminals against them. But researching on the Dark Web can help your business stay secure. Monitoring the dark web can help you spot the latest attack methods and also discover if your business is on the radar of attackers or has been compromised. Due to the safety of the dark web, cybercriminals have set up their illegal business trading in stolen data and malicious software, your business can benefit from getting timely information to help you prevent attacks or manage them.

9) Business Class Firewall or Security Appliance

Most businesses have some form of firewall to prevent unauthorized access to their network. However, basic firewall can’t withstand sustained and sophisticated attacks, this is where Security Appliance comes in. Security Appliances or Unified Threat Management (UTM) appliances provide a consolidated and manageable interface for software security bundles. UTM combines the functions of firewalls, IDS, and network vulnerability scanners into one package thus making it more effective than single software solutions.

10) Encrypt Files and Portable Devices

Portable devices are popular and convenient to use but they come with the risk of getting lost and falling into the wrong hands. A smart security policy is to do full device encryption to protect your business data in case of data loss or theft. Many encryption software and hardware are available from which you can choose based on your business needs.

11) Update Your Backup Process

Because your systems can crash, get its data corrupted or lost, you should always backup important data on a regular basis. The frequency of backup should be as short as possible, important applications should be backed at shorter interval periods while a system-wide backup should be scheduled during off-peak hours. To be effective, the backup process should not only cover important applications and data but other less used ones and backups should be stored on both on-site and off-site servers whenever possible.

12) How Cyber Insurance Can Help

All the security methods discussed above cannot guarantee a perfect protection against all attacks. There is the possibility that some slip-ups may aid attackers in gaining access to your business networks. Should that happen, a cyber-insurance can help mitigate the impact of such a breach by helping to offset the costs associated with the hack and also shortening business recovery period. You definitely need cyber insurance for a complete system protection.

In Summary

All in all, small businesses are at a major risk of being hacked, the methods we discussed above can help deter attackers from targeting your business and looking elsewhere for softer targets to test their exploits on. It’s important to conduct a system-wide assessment to determine the current state of your business’s security so as to know the next steps to take. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the above processes, or just don’t have the extra time to implement them into your security plan, please give us a call at 866-957-3835, or you can contact us online by clicking here. We can help get you on the right path to protecting your business from becoming a target of a cyber attack.

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Staying Ahead of Cyber Threats in Fort Wayne: A Guide for Local Businesses

05 Jan, 2024
In an era where digital transformation is at its peak, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, local companies must avoid these threats to safeguard their digital assets. As cybersecurity experts, SDTEK is dedicated to helping Fort Wayne businesses fortify their defenses against these ever-evolving threats. Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Fort Wayne Like many thriving urban areas, Fort Wayne is home to a diverse range of businesses. The variety of enterprises here makes the city a vibrant economic hub, from bustling tech startups to established manufacturing companies. However, this diversity also makes the area a target for cybercriminals. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often due to limited IT security resources. Recognizing these threats is the first step in building an effective defense strategy. Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever for Local Businesses The consequences of cyber attacks can be devastating. They can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal implications if customer data is compromised. In today's interconnected world, the fallout from a security breach can extend far beyond the immediate damage, impacting customer trust and business continuity. Tailored Cybersecurity Strategies for Fort Wayne Businesses At SDTEK, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. This is why we offer customized security strategies that cater to the specific needs of Fort Wayne businesses. Our approach includes: Risk Assessment: Evaluate your business's particular risks, considering factors unique to your industry and operational model. Employee Training: Empowering your staff with knowledge and best practices to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats. Implementing Robust Security Measures: This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and secure Wi-Fi networks tailored to your business's specific needs. Regular Monitoring and Updates: Continuously monitor for threats and keep your security systems up-to-date to combat new and emerging threats. Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene In addition to tailored strategies, there are general best practices that every business in Fort Wayne can implement: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly back up data and store it securely. Establish a clear policy for handling sensitive data. Collaboration and Continuous Learning Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Collaboration between businesses and cybersecurity experts like SDTEK is crucial. We encourage Fort Wayne businesses to engage in local cybersecurity forums and workshops to stay informed about the latest threats and defenses. Conclusion In Fort Wayne, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential for the longevity and success of your business. By understanding the risks, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing good cyber hygiene, local businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. At SDTEK, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey, providing the expertise and support you need to protect your digital assets and thrive in a digital-first world. For more insights and assistance on cybersecurity solutions tailored for your Fort Wayne business, contact SDTEK . Your digital safety is our priority.

The Benefits of Cybersecurity Dark Web Monitoring for Business Owners

06 Dec, 2023
In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is paramount to protect sensitive business information from falling into the wrong hands. As a business owner, you understand the value of securing your data and safeguarding your reputation. That's where dark web monitoring comes into play. What is Dark Web Monitoring? The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities often take place, including the buying and selling of stolen data. Dark web monitoring involves scanning the dark web to identify any instances of your business's compromised information being traded or sold. By monitoring these underground networks, you gain valuable insights and can take immediate action to mitigate potential risks. Key Features and Benefits Real-time Alerts: Dark web monitoring provides real-time alerts, notifying you the moment your business's data appears on the dark web. This allows you to respond swiftly and take the necessary steps to protect your sensitive information. Comprehensive Coverage: Dark web monitoring casts a wide net across various dark web platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage. It searches for mentions of your business, compromised credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data that may have been exposed. Access to an Expert Support Team: With dark web monitoring, you're not alone in the fight against cyber threats. You have access to an expert support team that can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide recommendations to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Addressing Misconceptions Misconception 1: Dark web monitoring is only necessary for large businesses. Cybercriminals do not discriminate based on business size. Any organization, regardless of its scale, can become a target. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable as they often lack the robust security infrastructure that larger enterprises may have. Dark web monitoring is essential for all businesses, regardless of their size, to proactively protect their data. Misconception 2: Dark web monitoring is too technical to understand. While dark web monitoring may involve technical processes, the service providers are equipped to simplify the complexities for you. They will guide you through the setup, explain the monitoring process, and provide actionable insights in a user-friendly manner. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to benefit from dark web monitoring. Misconception 3: Dark web monitoring is expensive. The cost of dark web monitoring is a fraction of the potential financial and reputational damage that a data breach can cause. It's an investment in the security and longevity of your business. Additionally, many service providers offer flexible pricing options to suit different business needs, making it an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes. Conclusion As a business owner, the protection of your data is essential for the continuity and success of your organization. Dark web monitoring offers a proactive approach to cybersecurity, enabling you to identify and respond to potential threats swiftly. By leveraging real-time alerts, comprehensive coverage, and the support of experts, you can safeguard your sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and protect your business from reputational damage. Don't wait until it's too late. Invest in dark web monitoring to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and gain the peace of mind you deserve. Your business's security is worth it.
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