It’s no secret that businesses in all industries these days rely heavily on technology. While these tools have been useful in increasing productivity and building large networks and infrastructures, there is a major cybersecurity risk that overshadows these benefits. Namely, without a proper security system, any business that utilizes digital technologies can suffer enormous losses as a consequence of cybersecurity threats. With that in mind, here are five tips to help you minimize exposure to a variety of cyber threats.
#1 Update All Operating Systems
When it comes to securing any network of digital devices, you should always start from the foundation, that is, the operating systems. All operating systems must be kept up to date to avoid unwanted exposure to security threats. Each new update carries important security patches that can fix loopholes and undetected vulnerabilities within the system. Therefore, don’t hesitate to install any pending updates as soon as possible.
#2 Create an Incident Response Plan
It is important for any organization, regardless of its nature, to have an IRP or Incident Response Plan ready in case they find themselves in a tricky situation. Having a clear and precise response plan will help you minimize the damage of the attack and keep your losses controlled. Without a precise plan, it would take you much longer to find your stance during a cybersecurity attack that you will end up with a lot more damage than expected. Therefore, if you don’t already have one, create an IRP and make sure to keep it up to date.
#3 Manage Your Security Team
Depending on the size of your business or organization, you should have an appropriate security team on board. The team should consist of cybersecurity professionals who are experienced in implementing proper security measures, responding to threats, and keeping the risk under control. It is recommended to appoint a Chief Security Information Office or CISO that would be in charge of data protection and management. This person should be the main responsible individual listed in the IRP as the person you go to for security-related issues.
#4 Use Data Encryption
Data encryption can do wonders for your security plan. It helps businesses control who has access to their sensitive data online, as well as prevent employees from exposing the company to risk. By ensuring that all mobile and desktop devices are encrypted, you will protect your data from third parties lurking online. Besides securing data while browsing the web and exchanging the info between servers, you will also prevent exposure in case a mobile device connected to the network gets stolen.
#5 Follow a Network Security Policy
Last but not least, your company should follow a pre-organized network security policy. This document should serve as a guide for all members of the organization and help them understand which steps need to be taken to prevent threats or defend against them if necessary. This policy should outline all the rules on how to use the company’s digital resources, as well as which procedures the employees should use to maximize security.
Take Cyber Exposure Seriously
Many companies make the mistake of taking cybersecurity for granted just because they’ve never encountered any threats before. Smaller organizations sometimes find it unnecessary to go all-in with their security resources because they believe them to be of no significance to cybercriminals. However, the truth is that hackers are no longer aiming for the big players only.
They have now expanded their reach to companies of smaller sizes mainly because they are easier to breach due to the lack of secure protection systems. That is why you should work on minimizing the exposure to risk no matter how big your company is at the moment.
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