You might not know it, but your business faces constant threats to its online safety every day. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, and the risks to your personal and business data are growing.
Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of falling victim to these threats and keep your systems secure. Investing in cybersecurity is always a good idea, particularly if your business is primarily digital.
Malware
This refers to malicious software that can damage your systems, steal sensitive information and hijack your devices for nefarious purposes. Malware comes in many forms, such as viruses and ransomware, often disguised and downloaded from seemingly harmless files or links.
The best way to prevent malware attacks is to install reputable antivirus software and keep it updated regularly. Many programs offer real-time scanning, which can catch malware before it does any damage.
You should also always be cautious when downloading files or opening email attachments from unknown sources. Even if an email seems legitimate, don’t click on any links until you’re sure it’s from a trusted sender.
Phishing
The majority of phishing attacks aim to trick you into revealing personal or company information, such as card details, passwords or other login details.
These attempts often come in the form of emails or messages that appear to come from legitimate sources, like your bank or a trusted colleague. They may ask you to click on a link and enter sensitive data – but you shouldn’t until their legitimacy has been verified.
Always check the sender’s email address closely for signs of a scam. Be wary of unsolicited emails that pressure you into taking immediate action. Real companies rarely ask for information via email.
Instead of clicking on links, manually type the URL into your browser or use official apps. A good habit is to verify requests through official company channels before taking action.
Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks
A DoS attack overwhelms your network or website with traffic, causing it to crash or become inaccessible. These attacks are often used to disrupt business operations, especially for companies that rely on their online presence.
To guard against them, consider using a content delivery network (CDN) or a cloud-based security service that can absorb large amounts of traffic and filter out malicious requests. You can also configure firewalls to block incoming traffic from known malicious IP addresses.
It’s also worth making sure your systems are regularly tested for vulnerabilities to help you spot potential weak points before they can be exploited.
Password and data breaches
These events occur when hackers gain access to your private accounts or databases by exploiting weak passwords or security flaws. Data breaches are becoming more common, so it’s more important than ever to use strong, unique passwords and implement other account security measures.
Encourage your teams to use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. 2FA adds another layer of security by demanding a second form of verification, such as a text message or authentication app, after your password.
By taking these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of someone gaining unauthorised access to your company accounts and confidential data.
