Did you know that cyberattacks on businesses increased by 50%?
Ecommerce is taking over the worldwide market, and exciting innovations are always on the rise. However, businesses aren’t the only ones facing technological growth – hackers are too! Businesses face various online attacks at any time, including phishing, malware, and ransomware.
Security has always been a major factor for businesses, but there’s no harm in upgrading your shields. If you want to keep your business data safe, consider revisiting your security system. Here are some ways to improve your online security today!
- Perform a Network Test and Update Firmware
Network testing is an essential step to monitoring and maintaining business data security. Another method is penetration testing, which assesses and evaluates computer systems. It allows you to identify vulnerabilities in a business’ network, applications, and security.
Penetration testing will give a report that presents vulnerable access points. Moreover, it includes software and hardware improvements you can apply to enhance security.
A network test identifies weaknesses and makes improvements before hackers attack the system. A great way to minimize access points is by updating your system firmware.
Firmware refers to software programs on hardware devices. It provides instructions for computing devices and performs simple tasks. However, the firmware doesn’t use a digital signature to protect its data.
This means your system is more vulnerable to phishing, data exfiltration, and other attacks. The detection of problems takes time, resulting in damages to the business. With this, update your firmware to cover security holes and guarantee hardware functionality.
- Use SSL Certificates and Firewall
SSL certificates are a bit of code in the webserver that provides data security. It secures the server name, domain name, and hostname. It also uses an encrypted connection to bind the encrypted key to the business.
Installing the SSL certificate on the server produces the HTTPS protocol and firewall. It improves business security when it connects from the webserver to a browser. The SSL serves as another layer of protection, too.
SSL certificates protect data from logins, data transfer, and card transactions.
Ensure to set up your firewall immediately after installing the SSL certificate. A firewall tracks and filters network traffic. Moreover, it allows or prevents data packers based on security policies.
A firewall serves as a barrier between the internal network and external sources. It prevents malicious traffic from entering the system. With this, you must use a firewall that matches the needs of your business.
- Set Up a VPN and Install Antivirus Software
Online attackers can come from anywhere, even overseas. All they need to do is to access your IP address, and all the information from your device will be at their mercy. That’s where a VPN comes in.
A VPN allows users to access their network through an encrypted tunnel. It hides your web activity from hackers and intruders. A VPN can hide your IP address and personal data, too.
Using VPN protects your data transactions and prevents cyberattacks, such as phishing. A VPN is also beneficial for your remote workers! It uses the VPN company address to alter your location in the IP address.
Malware attacks insecure systems the most. It can steal information, corrupt data, and damage the system. Thus, you must install antivirus software to remove malicious programs in your network.
An antivirus detects and prevents malware from entering your business’ computer system.
- Develop Data Recovery Plan
Developing a data recovery plan is a vital process in securing business data.
An IT disaster recovery plan covers procedures to follow when an issue hits the system. It explains the process of recovering data and protects the business IT infrastructure. Your data recovery plan must address intentional and accidental disasters.
Include backing up of data in your DRP to restore essential files and documents. You can use cloud storage to back up your business data, too. Use a unique password to limit its accessibility.
You and your employees must schedule a test of your DRP to determine its effectiveness. With this, you can make improvements to ensure the recovery of data.
- Use Unique Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
Of all cybersecurity tips, using unique passwords and 2FA or MFA is the most important.
A password is your first line of defense to prevent unauthorized access to your files, storage, and accounts. However, hackers use techniques like a dictionary attack to get your password. You must use unique passwords for improved security on your data.
Your password must consist of 8 or more characters. It’s best to use a combination of numbers, letters, and special characters. Avoid using personal information, such as initials and birthdate, in your passwords, too.
You can use two-factor authentication for extra protection, too. It’s a security system that uses two forms of identification to access a file or account.
Your password is the first form and the second form is a text with a code sent to you. Link your smartphone or email to the system to get the code. You can use your biometrics to confirm your identity, too.
- Educate Employees
Employees can expose the business to cyberattacks when they stay uninformed about cybersecurity. You must educate them about different IT security practices to protect the business.
Explain the importance of cybersecurity and its effects on the business. You can conduct training where they learn to verify information entering the system. Educate them on the impacts of fraudulent acts and how to avoid them, too.
Raising cybersecurity awareness allows employees to understand their role in keeping business security.
- Hire an IT Team
Hire an IT team to guarantee the safety of your business from cyberattacks.
An IT team offers professional and quality services that ensure data security. It includes creating barriers to prevent external sources from entering the system. The IT team always tracks your system and detects online threats, too.
Check out Truit IT services for professional cybersecurity help.
Improving Your Business Online Security
Now you know some great ways to improve your business’s online security. It only takes one instance of hacking or phishing to lose all your data.
Are you looking for more business security tips? Check out our other blog posts for more great guides.
