Steps to protect your business from cyberattacks
Many small-business owners believe their companies are immune to cyberattacks, thinking cybercriminals target only larger organizations. However, small businesses are often prime targets since they often have less robust security measures compared to enterprises. This article provides tips for safeguarding your business from cyberthreats. Secure your cloud storage Cloud storage provides a convenient and cost-effective solution for storing data. However, not all cloud providers prioritize security. To protect your sensitive information, select a reliable platform that offers strong encryption and access controls. Fortify your network Your network is the backbone of your business operations, connecting all company devices such as computers, printers, smartphones, and routers. Unfortunately, all connected devices can be entry points for cybercriminals. To protect your network, use strong, unique passwords for every device and enable multifactor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. MFA adds another layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification such as a password and a code sent to your phone. Moreover, you should secure your Wi-Fi network with a robust password and create a separate guest network for visitors. Ensure your Wi-Fi is encrypted with the latest standard, WPA3, to prevent unauthorized access. Invest in extra security tools Bolstering your business’s digital defenses requires more than just basic security measures. Consider implementing these additional tools: Virtual private network – creates a secure, encrypted connection between your devices and the internet Firewall – monitors incoming and outgoing traffic and blocks suspicious activity Intrusion detection and prevention systems – monitor network traffic for suspicious activities and block such activities in real time Email security – detects and blocks malicious emails Data loss prevention – keeps sensitive data from being accidentally or maliciously shared outside your organization Keep software up to date It’s tempting to ignore those software update notifications, but doing so can leave your system vulnerable. Software updates often include patches that plug security holes that cybercriminals can exploit. By promptly installing updates, you can strengthen your defenses. Back up company data Ransomware attacks are a serious business threat. They encrypt critical data, holding it hostage until a ransom is paid. Implementing a robust backup strategy is crucial for protecting your data and minimizing disruption if you suffer a ransomware attack. Limit employee access to the company network Believe it or not, many cyberattacks start from within a company. To minimize the damage caused by an insider threat, grant employees only the necessary permissions to perform their job functions. Regularly review and adjust employee permissions, and promptly revoke access when employees leave the company. Educate your team Many cyberattacks happen because employees make mistakes. They might click on a suspicious email, give away their password, or use weak passwords. To prevent human error, train staff to recognize and avoid common cyberthreats, create strong passwords, and handle sensitive information securely. Conducting regular cybersecurity training and cyberattack simulations can reduce the risk of breaches. Create a security culture Cybersecurity shouldn’t be solely the IT department’s responsibility but rather every employee’s. Involve employees in security initiatives and encourage them to report suspicious activities. By fostering a company-wide security culture, you can create a stronger and more resilient organization. These steps might seem simple, but they go a long way in safeguarding your business from cyberattacks. Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry, you can turn to our IT experts for help. We offer comprehensive security solutions customized to your specific needs. Get in touch with us today to discover how we can help you build a strong cybersecurity defense for your business.
Tips for protecting your business’s corporate data
Recent cyberattacks on multinational corporations highlight the ever-present risk of data breaches. For businesses of all sizes, a data breach can be devastating, potentially leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and even customer churn. Through this blog, we’ll help you strengthen your data security posture and empower your business to thrive in today’s dynamic threat landscape. Use two-factor authentication Using a complicated password to secure your system is not an effective way to level up your cybersecurity. That’s because having to memorize a difficult password often pushes users to set that same complex password for multiple accounts. And if a hacker gets a hold of a recycled password, there’s a high probability that they could access all your accounts that use that password. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your systems and accounts. 2FA comes in many forms; for instance, it can be a biometric verification in the devices that you own or a time-sensitive auto-generated code sent to your mobile phone. This security feature works similarly to how websites would require you to confirm your email address to ensure that you are not a bot. Encrypt all data Encryption is an effective obstruction to hackers since it scrambles and descrambles data every time someone tries to read it. Encryption also causes compatibility issues if the data is not being accessed via a company’s own network systems. While applying encryption can be expensive, it is certainly well worth the money because it protects your data in case it falls into the wrong hands. Keep systems up to date Many companies don’t install software updates immediately, and that’s a huge problem. This is because hackers are always upgrading their tools to take advantage of outdated applications and systems. By installing updates as soon as they become available, you can close existing security holes and keep your data protected. Back up frequently Implementing several layers to your security doesn’t ensure that hackers won’t find their way into your systems. This is why you need to back up data frequently, whether it’s on site, off site, or by way of cloud backups. In the worst-case scenario where your systems do get infiltrated, you can restore lost data from your backups. Monitor connectivity Many businesses have no idea how many of their devices are connected online at a given time, so it’s very hard for them to keep track of which of these should actually be online. Sometimes, a company’s computers and servers are online when they don’t need to be, making these tempting and easy targets for attackers. It’s advisable to configure business servers properly to guarantee that only necessary machines are online and that they’re well protected at all times. It’s much more expensive to recover from a data breach than to prevent one. If you’re looking to protect your business IT systems from potential threats, contact us today so we can help.
Mitigate risk and proactively secure your business with these tips
The evolving threat landscape poses a significant financial risk to businesses. Cyberattacks can lead to costly data breaches, operational disruptions, and reputational damage, potentially jeopardizing your bottom line and even your business’s viability. In this blog post, we’ll explore proactive cybersecurity strategies to safeguard your organization and ensure its continued success. Benefits of proactive cybersecurity Proactive cybersecurity is a strategic approach to protecting computer systems and networks from cyberthreats. It involves identifying potential vulnerabilities and implementing measures to prevent these vulnerabilities from being exploited. This approach is in contrast to reactive cybersecurity. Rather than attempting to prevent cyberattacks, reactive cybersecurity focuses on responding to and recovering from attacks that have already taken place. Having proactive security measures can provide your business with the following advantages: 1. Avoid playing catch-up with threatsTaking action every time there’s a threat can be exhausting for your security team and your other resources. If you’re always playing catch-up with threats, you’ll never be able to get ahead. By utilizing both preventive cybersecurity strategies alongside reactive measures, you will be able to comprehensively protect your data and networks.2. Improve security complianceProactive cybersecurity measures can help you root out threats to your data and your clients’ data. This, in turn, enables you to meet data compliance requirements.3. Boost business reputationCustomers are more security-conscious today than in the past. With many data breaches impacting companies, your customers will want assurance that you have in place measures to safeguard their personal information. Having a proactive cybersecurity culture will demonstrate your commitment to keeping customer data safe and give your business’s reputation a boost. Showing that you can be trusted with clients’ sensitive data will also give you a leg up over your competitors. Implementing proactive cybersecurity To effectively implement a proactive cybersecurity strategy, follow these steps:1. Determine the threatsWork with your in-house IT staff or managed services provider (MSP) to identify the types of attacks that are most common in your industry. By being aware of the threats out there, you can take steps to protect your business and keep it running smoothly.2. Assess your resourcesAfter you identify the primary cyberthreats to your company, prioritize them by determining how each security issue can damage various parts of your network. You can start by listing company devices that connect to the internet. Check the security measures these devices have and the type of data (regulated, mission-critical, low importance, etc.) each device has access to.3. Implement proactive cybersecurity measuresYour IT team or MSP may recommend these security measures based on the risks and assets identified in steps 1 and 2: Proactive measure What to expect Conduct security awareness seminars Educate every employee on security best practices, including spam awareness, password management, proper mobile device usage, and the like. Regularly update anti-malware software and cloud-based services Keep your data and systems safe from the newest malware threats. Establish schedules dedicated for software patches and upgrades Patches and upgrades decrease the chances of someone getting unauthorized access to your network by exploiting software vulnerabilities. Deploy web filtering services Keep your network safe by blacklisting dangerous and inappropriate sites. Set up perimeter defenses (e.g., intrusion prevention systems and hardware firewalls) Watch out for anything and everything that tries to access your network. Initiate policy of least privilege Provide users access only to the data they need to complete their tasks. Determine data segmentation Assess and establish microperimeters to protect high-value data. Run full disk encryption Encrypt data on electronic devices to prevent unauthorized access in case the devices are ever misplaced or stolen. Secure virtual private networks Encrypt data transmitted across unsecured connections to make it impossible to read if intercepted. Provide strict access controls Secure accounts from unauthorized access by using stronger passwords combined with multifactor authentication and automated screen locks that engage after a period of inactivity. Utilize AI-powered network monitoring Utilize AI to monitor suspicious user and software behaviors, like when employees access files outside their departments. Proactive cybersecurity is critical for businesses of all sizes. By taking steps to understand the threats your business faces and implementing measures to protect yourself, you can keep your data and your business safe. If you need help getting started, contact us today, and our team of cybersecurity experts will be happy to guide you through the process of implementing proactive cybersecurity.
Key practices to strengthen your email security posture
Email remains a cornerstone of modern business communication, valued for its speed, ease of use, and convenience. However, it also presents a potential vulnerability in the face of cyberattacks. By implementing the following practical measures, you can significantly enhance your email security posture and protect your valuable business information. Use strong passwords Many email users fail to realize how important it is to have a strong password. A large number of people still use weak passwords, such as “123456,” “qwerty,” or even just “password.” What’s worse, they often reuse these same passwords for multiple accounts. To keep all password-protected accounts secure, utilize strong passphrases that are unique to each account. Enabling multifactor authentication (MFA) for your email account is also a good security practice. With MFA, a user would have to verify their identity by providing their username and password as well as a valid fingerprint scan or an answer to a security question, among other things. This additional authentication layer makes it more challenging for malicious actors to access your account. Encrypt emails Email encryption is a process that transforms readable text into unreadable code. This code can be read only by someone who has the corresponding decryption key, keeping your email safe from unauthorized access. Regularly apply security updates Always install the most recent updates for your antivirus, firewalls, and email security software. Doing so can protect you from cyberattacks, as these updates equip your security programs with the latest knowledge to detect and filter out even the newest email-based threats. Installing these updates also fixes software vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. Avoid on suspicious links and email attachments Refrain from downloading or opening files and links in emails if you’re not 100% certain they are safe. These links may direct you to fraudulent websites, or these email attachments may install malware on your computer. Beware of phishing scams Phishing is a type of cyberattack in which criminals pose as legitimate businesses or individuals to obtain personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. Phishing scams can be carried out on different communication platforms, but they often involve fake emails that contain links to spoofed websites. When unsuspecting users input their personal information into these fake sites, criminals can use that information to commit identity theft or fraud. Phishing scams are becoming increasingly common, so it’s important to be aware of how they work. Take note that reputable companies would never ask for sensitive data via email. If you believe that the email you received might be from a phishing attempt, contact the company directly using the contact details on their official website. Don’t use the contact details in the dubious email, as these might be fake too. Regularly monitor account activity Monitor for any suspicious behavior, which involves checking your logs for things such as unusual devices or IP addresses that have accessed your account. Such activity could indicate a security breach. If you think your account was hacked, sign out of all web sessions and immediately change your password. Use different email accounts Don’t use one email account for everything. Otherwise, if someone gains access to that account, they could also easily steal any stored information or connected online accounts associated with that email. This could lead to hackers using your account for fraud and other illegal activities. Create different email accounts for different purposes, such as a personal account dedicated to communicating with your friends and family, and a professional account for work-related tasks only. You can also create another email account for miscellaneous things, such as online shops, gaming sites, newsletter subscriptions, and the like. As we become increasingly reliant on technology, the importance of email security grows even more. To protect yourself and your loved ones, you must take steps to secure your email account. If you have any other cybersecurity concerns, contact us now and our IT experts will be glad to help you.
Building a collaborative cybersecurity culture with Gen Z employees
Gen Z’s digital fluency presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen your company’s cybersecurity posture. This blog post will explore strategies for fostering a collaborative cybersecurity culture where veteran employees and Gen Z newcomers can share knowledge and best practices. With 2024 rolling on, the Gen Z workforce is poised to join the workforce in droves. Just like millennials, they’ll bring unique strengths, but also potential security risks. Growing up digital doesn’t guarantee cyber-savviness. Entrepreneur warns that Gen Z workers may share information more freely than they should online, blurring lines between real and virtual friends. Hackers could exploit this by crafting fake profiles to steal personal and even work data. Password hygiene is another concern, as a Harris Poll reveals more than three-fourths of Gen Z workers reuse passwords across accounts, even more than previous generations. This means that companies should pay closer attention to implementing data protection policies, as safe browsing habits and data tracking awareness are also projected to be areas for improvement for this generation of workers. Over the next few years, there’s a good chance that you will hire a Gen Z-er for some role in your business. You’re probably wondering how you can prepare your cybersecurity so it’s ready to handle whatever the next generation brings. It’s important that you’re proactive in your strategy. Waiting until you already have Gen Z-ers in your workplace could leave your information unprotected or make your company open to cyberattacks. Here’s what you can do to foster a cybersecurity culture with your Gen Z and other employees: Provide training The first thing you can do is create a comprehensive information security training program for your employees. It’s important to foster a company culture of cyber awareness where employees learn from each other, and this can only be done by systematically injecting security habits into daily processes. Also aim to regularly update training to reflect new tech and software. Implement cybersecurity tools Aside from training your employees, you should also make use of technologies that help strengthen your security posture. Password managers are an excellent example because they can be used to generate strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts, eliminating the risk of domino-effect breaches. These are also useful for storing multiple passwords securely, so that users won’t be tempted to write them down on a piece of paper or save them on their smartphone’s notes application. Work with an MSP It’s also a good idea to partner with a managed IT services provider (MSP) for a holistic security solution. MSPs can provide 24/7 monitoring, data encryption, network protection, and security training — essentially serving as a cybersecurity shield against the evolving threats Gen Z may unwittingly introduce. Basically, all of your cybersecurity concerns will be covered when you hire an MSP, and you won’t even have to worry about the next generation making things more difficult. The bottom line: be proactive. As more Gen Z employees enter the workforce, businesses nationwide need to adapt their cybersecurity strategies to stay ahead of the curve. Make your cybersecurity pursuits simpler, no matter which generation is involved, by partnering with us. Contact us today to learn more.
Hackers 101: Understanding the different types and what they do
Back in the 1950s, the term “hacker” simply described someone who enjoyed tinkering with computers and pushing their boundaries. However, with the rise of personal computers in the 1980s, the term became associated with individuals who exploited vulnerabilities in computer systems, often teenagers who enjoyed the thrill of breaking into government IT systems. Interestingly, some of those early hackers now run successful cybersecurity businesses, while others continue to exploit security gaps for personal gain. Understanding these historical roots helps us appreciate the different motivations behind hacking today. Let’s delve into the three main types of hackers you should be aware of. Black hats: The malicious hackers Black hat hackers are cybercriminals who develop tools and strategies to carry out a range of malicious activities, such as: Creating and deploying harmful software such as viruses and ransomware Engaging in identity theft, credit card fraud, and extortion Collaborating with corporations or state entities for espionage and cyberterrorism An example of a black hat hacker is Kevin Mitnick. In the 1990s, he orchestrated wire fraud and stole sensitive data from telecom companies and the US National Defense warning systems. After serving time in prison, he launched his cybersecurity firm and served as its CEO and Chief White Hat Hacker. White hats: The ethical hackers White hat hackers, also known as ethical hackers or security specialists, are the good guys in the hacking community. They use their hacking skills for positive purposes, such as: Conducting security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities Participating in bug bounty programs to report vulnerabilities to software vendors Collaborating with organizations to enhance their cybersecurity posture Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux operating system, is a prominent white hat hacker who prioritizes security through open-source software development. Gray hats: Operating in the middle ground Gray hat hackers are in the middle ground between black hat and white hat hackers. They may use their hacking skills for both good and bad purposes, including: Conducting security research and experimentation Developing and distributing software with questionable intentions An example of a gray hat hacker is Marcus Hutchins, also known as MalwareTech. He became famous for stopping the WannaCry ransomware attack by finding a kill switch. However, he also created the Kronos banking malware and faced legal repercussions. Since then, he has redirected his skills toward cybersecurity consultancy. Conclusion: Protecting your business from cybercriminals If you suspect your business has been hacked, it’s crucial to contact our cybersecurity experts immediately. We can investigate the incident, mitigate the damage, and help you improve your security posture to prevent future attacks. You can also contact us for any questions or concerns about securing your sensitive business information.
Simple steps to protect your online presence
With cyberthreats on the rise, businesses must prioritize online security to safeguard sensitive information and maintain customer trust. The good news is that understanding the basics of online security can go a long way in keeping your data safe from prying eyes. Here are some essential tips to help your business navigate the online world securely. Create strong, unique passwords Passwords are your first line of defense against unauthorized access to your accounts and sensitive information. This is why you should avoid using easily guessable passwords such as “123456” or “password.” Instead, create strong passphrases. A passphrase is a string of four or more random words. This extra length and randomness make them much harder for cybercriminals to crack but still easier for you to remember than a jumbled mess of characters. For maximum security, use a different passphrase for each of your accounts. This way, if one account gets compromised, your other accounts are still safe. Tip: Remembering multiple complex passphrases can be a challenge. Consider using a password manager, which stores all your passphrases in one place. This makes your passphrases easily accessible while keeping them safe from prying eyes. Implement multifactor authentication (MFA) MFA adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring additional verification beyond just a password, such as a one-time code sent to your phone or a fingerprint scan. By enabling MFA, even if someone obtains your password, they won’t be able to access your account without fulfilling the additional verification requirements. Tip: Whenever possible, enable MFA on your important accounts, including email, banking, and cloud services. Keep software and systems updated Cybercriminals often exploit weaknesses in outdated software to gain unauthorized access to systems. To stay protected, regularly update your software, operating systems, and applications because these updates often include essential security patches that fix those vulnerabilities. Tip: Set up automatic updates on all your devices so you don’t have to remember to update manually, and your devices stay continuously protected without any extra effort from you. Use secure Wi-Fi networks When accessing the internet, it’s important to use secure Wi-Fi networks. Public Wi-Fi in airports or coffee shops can be targeted by cybercriminals. Instead, use encrypted Wi-Fi connections, which require a password and scramble your data, making it unintelligible even if intercepted. For an extra layer of security, consider using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts all your internet traffic, creating a secure tunnel between your device and the internet, regardless of the Wi-Fi network you’re on. Tip: Configure your devices to automatically connect only to trusted Wi-Fi networks that you know and use. Additionally, disable the option to connect to open networks to avoid accidental connections to unsecured Wi-Fi. Conduct security awareness training for employees Employees are often the weakest link in an organization’s cyber defense, as they may inadvertently fall victim to phishing scams or unknowingly compromise sensitive information. However, regular training sessions can empower your employees to recognize and respond to cyberthreats effectively. Tip: Simulate phishing attacks to test your employees’ preparedness and reinforce training. By following these simple yet effective tips, you can significantly enhance the online security posture of your business and minimize the risk of falling victim to cyberthreats. Remember, investing in online security is not just about protecting your data — it’s also about safeguarding the reputation and integrity of your business in an increasingly digital world.
Understanding the role of cyber insurance
The evolving cyberthreat landscape poses a significant risk to small businesses. Cybercriminals often target such businesses due to the valuable data they possess and possibly less advanced security measures. To protect themselves, small businesses often implement safeguards including firewalls, data backups, and ongoing cybersecurity training for employees. However, these solutions alone may not be sufficient to mitigate all cyber risks. Cyber insurance can help you recover financially in the event of a cyberattack. What is cyber insurance? Cyber insurance, also known as cyber liability insurance, is a form of insurance that specializes in damages a business incurs due to cyberattacks or data breaches. It can cover losses because of the cyberattack and costs pertaining to the recovery process. By integrating cyber insurance into their cybersecurity strategy, businesses can significantly reduce their overall cyber risk profile. How cyber insurance benefits your business There are many advantages to implementing cyber insurance, such as: Financial loss coverage Cyber insurance provides valuable financial protection that covers various forms of financial loss, such as legal expenses from customer and employee lawsuits following a data breach, regulatory fines, and loss of income due to downtime. However, you should always check what forms of loss your cyber insurance provider actually covers and to what extent. Ransomware payment assistanceConsider the unsettling scenario where a cybercriminal uses ransomware to obtain critical data such as your employees’ Social Security numbers or your clients’ credit card details. Recognizing the potentially devastating impact this could have on your business, you’re prepared to spend whatever is necessary to avert such a disaster. However, the amount demanded in the ransom can be steep, and meeting it could have consequences further down the line, such as being unable to purchase assets necessary for growth. Luckily, cyber insurance can assist in covering the costs of such demands. Notification costs support In situations where customer information does get stolen, your business has a legal obligation to inform your customers. You may also need to inform your suppliers, business partners, and stakeholders. Depending on the number of notifications and the geographic range of your business (local, regional, national, or international) this can incur significant costs. Fortunately, cyber insurance can potentially help cover the costs of your notifications. Data recovery services Should your business find itself the victim of a data breach that has corrupted or destroyed your data, it becomes essential to restore what has been lost. Depending on your coverage plan, your cyber insurance provider might cover the cost of data recovery services. Without the specialized tools and expertise these services provide, recovering your data can take years. How to get cyber insurance There is more to getting cyber insurance than simply signing on to a coverage plan. In particular, you must meet an insurance provider’s qualifications. Generally, providers look at two things when considering a client: the strength of their cybersecurity and their adherence to compliance regulations. The more secure and compliant your business’s IT (especially for highly regulated industries such as finance or healthcare), the more likely a cyber insurance provider will accept you as a client. If it appears that your company takes a lax approach to cybersecurity or fails to comply with regulations, then the provider may reject your application. How to make cyber insurance affordable If you are worried about the costs of cyber insurance, there are ways to make you more eligible for a reduced rate. Take proactive security measures such as company-wide employee training, regular assessments of your security posture, and scheduled data backups with recovery plans. Implement and submit incident response reports to prove how well your cybersecurity responds to emergencies. Research the cybersecurity preparedness of any third parties your business regularly interacts with (such as business partners or vendors). Showcasing the strength of their cybersecurity also reflects well on you. These steps and others make your company appear as less of a risk to insurance providers. Learn more about cyber insurance and other methods to secure your systems and data by speaking to one of our experts. Contact us today.
Applying NIST guidelines to improve password security
When it comes to password generation and security, many people tend toward bad practices, such as passwords based on their birthday or using the same password across different accounts. These practices can compromise the integrity of your passwords and, by extension, the security of the systems and data those passwords are meant to protect. Fortunately, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has published a series of guidelines you can incorporate into your password practices, ensuring greater security and peace of mind. What is NIST? NIST is a US government agency that develops metrics, measurements, and regulations (such as the Federal Information Processing Standard) to bolster the reliability and security of new technologies, including information technology. As such, federal agencies are mandated to follow NIST standards when handling sensitive data. Though private organizations are not required to meet these standards, NIST’s recommendations are still a valuable rubric to evaluate the security of their own systems. Furthermore, because NIST guidelines are internationally recognized, you can foster trust in your organization by adopting them. NIST recommendations The last significant update to the NIST’s password guidelines was published in 2020 as part of NIST Special Publication 800-63B, with very few notable changes since. While the document itself is quite dense in its language and phrasing, its recommendations regarding passwords can be broken down into the following: Favor length over complexity NIST’s current guidelines prioritize password length over intricate character combinations as had been suggested in previous NIST publications. Now, their standards require user-created passwords to be at least eight characters long, while program-generated ones (such as with a password generator and keeper application) can be at minimum six characters long. The maximum length in either case is 64 characters. All printable characters are allowed, including spaces, allowing the use of unique phrases. Furthermore, NIST strongly advises against the use of sequential numbers (such as “1234”) or repeated characters (such as “aaaa”) as these are heavily used and easily predicted. Avoid commonly used passwords To prevent cyberattacks, companies should actively discourage commonly used, compromised, or repeated passwords. Even strong, self-generated passwords can be risky if not checked against known breaches. Moreover, reusing credentials across accounts allows attackers to exploit a single breach for wider access. Consider integrating software and tools that notify users when they create weak passwords or when weak passwords are generated for them. Additionally, companies should alert employees if their chosen password appears in a data breach and urge them to create a new one. Abandon password hints To enhance security, your organization’s password policy should eliminate password hints and knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions such as “favorite movie” or “pet’s name.” In either case, such information can be easily obtained through social engineering tactics or simple surveillance of an employee’s social media accounts. Instead, you should leverage password reset and recovery processes that utilize multifactor authentication (MFA). Implement MFA As referenced above, you can strengthen your online security posture with MFA. This security solution adds a critical second layer of defense, mitigating unauthorized access even if your password is compromised. By requiring an additional verification factor, such as a temporary code sent to your mobile device or biometric verification, MFA makes it exponentially more difficult for cybercriminals to hack their way into your accounts. Yearly password changes Contrary to their stance prior to the 2020 publication, NIST now recommends only annual resets to maintain security rather than more frequent password changes. While the multiple-times-per-year practice seems intuitive, it can backfire because hackers can often predict minor variations used in frequent password updates. Instead, NIST suggests that you focus on creating strong, unique passwords and prioritize immediate changes only if a breach is suspected. Place limits on password attempts To thwart brute force attacks, NIST recommends limiting login attempts. Brute force attacks involve hackers systematically guessing password combinations, so by restricting attempts, you make it significantly harder for them to crack your password and gain unauthorized access. Speak with one of our experts to learn more about password security and other ways you can safeguard your critical systems.
How hackers can infiltrate your systems
While technology empowers us in many ways, it also opens up vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors. When breaching your systems, hackers will typically look for the path of least resistance, which is often through these common entry points. Social engineering Social engineering is a form of manipulation used to get people to divulge information or perform actions that lead to a full-blown security breach. These manipulation tactics play on the natural vulnerabilities of the human mind, such as trust and curiosity. Phishing scams are a common form of social engineering, where hackers send fraudulent emails masquerading as legitimate businesses or individuals to trick recipients into sharing private data or downloading malware-laced attachments. To defend against social engineering, it’s important to train employees on how to recognize and avoid these tactics and stress the importance of not sharing sensitive information with unknown or untrusted sources. At the very least, employees should treat every unexpected email, website, and link with extreme caution until its authenticity can be verified. Poor password practices Another weak point that hackers frequently exploit are weak passwords or poor password management practices. This includes using easily guessable passwords (e.g., birthdays, pet names) and reusing those passwords across multiple accounts. The only way to secure this vulnerability is to be more diligent about creating long and unique passwords for each account. Employees can simplify this process by using password managers, which generate strong passwords and securely store them. Additionally, enabling multifactor authentication can significantly enhance the security of user accounts since it prevents hackers from accessing accounts with just a stolen password. Outdated software The problem with outdated software is that it will likely have unpatched security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Software developers regularly release updates and patches to fix any known security flaws, but if the user fails to install them, they remain vulnerable. It’s therefore important for companies to regularly update their software and operating systems to the latest versions whenever possible. Enabling automatic updates can also help ensure that systems are always up to date and protected from known vulnerabilities. Weak network security Network security is essential for protecting an organization’s systems from external threats. But weaknesses can take many forms, whether it’s weak passwords for Wi-Fi routers or a lack of firewalls and intrusion detection systems. To prevent this, companies should implement strong firewalls and regularly monitor their networks for unusual activity. It’s also crucial to train employees on safe internet practices so that they don’t unknowingly introduce threats to the network. Physical access While most people think of cyberattacks as being solely online, physical access to devices and systems can also pose a significant security risk. If an employee leaves their computer unlocked and unattended, or if a hacker gains physical access to the premises, they could easily install malware or steal sensitive information via USB drives. Alternatively, they can simply steal the device and all the information stored on it. That’s why companies should implement strict physical security protocols, such as requiring employees to lock their devices when not in use and limiting access to sensitive areas of the workplace. Using devices in public areas should also be strongly discouraged, as it increases the risk of physical access by unauthorized individuals. Securing all the potential entry points that hackers use to breach systems may seem like an uphill battle, but it’s not one you have to fight alone. With our security expertise and cutting-edge solutions, we can fortify your business against cyberattacks and ensure your sensitive information remains safe and secure. Call us now to learn more.