You may be aware of a string of high profile hacking incidents recently. Some of the biggest names in business have been breached by cyber attackers. Companies like Vodafone, Talk Talk, and Sony have all been subject to hacking. If those giant companies are vulnerable, then your company may also be at risk. Hackers are looking to gain access to customer information, and bank account details. Sometimes, business insurance will cover this damage, but not always! Is your business safe from hacking? Here’s how to secure it.
Passwords
It may sound like a simple technique, but passwords are a truly powerful deterrent. It’s almost impossible for a hacker to crack a well-chosen password. The only way they gain access is by detecting patterns. If you use the same password across multiple sites and devices, it could be dangerous. Ensure that you’re enforcing good password practices in your business. Ask employees to change their passwords regularly, especially on business software.
Security auditing
For many business owners, it’s difficult to see any loopholes or gaps in security. When you work on the business day-in-day-out, it’s easy to miss the obvious signs. That’s where a security audit comes in. A professional security team will come in, and analyse every aspect of your business. They’ll look for any weaknesses in the computer systems, and make suggestions for improvements. Remember, technology moves fast, so you’ll want to conduct a security audit at least once a year.
Penetration testing
Penetration testing is simple. Highly skilled cyber professionals will attempt to gain access to your data and information. Using all the skills and resources available to modern hackers, they’ll attempt to breach your system. It’s often part of an overall security consulting package, that will help protect you against any cyber attack. If these professionals can gain access to your data, you’ll have to take preventative steps. If the pros can do it, so can the hackers!
Ignore popups and untrusted links
Much like changing your password, this seems like an obvious suggestion. However, you’d be surprised how many companies fail to implement this tactic. It’s all about educating your employees and staff about security practices. Make sure they know to avoid any suspicious email links and popups. In many cases, these links are designed to look realistic and authentic. If necessary, bring in security experts to help teach your employees how to tell the difference. Once small email could bring the business down. Don’t let it happen.
Keep physical devices secure
The one thing that many of us forget about is the devices themselves. We’re talking about laptops, smartphones, and tablets. We often think that hackers gain access through the internet. However, more often than not, it’s the result of a hacked device. When a hacker gets hold of a company smartphone, it’s very easy to penetrate. Ensure that you and your employees are keeping those devices locked and secure. If they are lost or stolen, make sure they can be shut down and locked remotely.
It has become an essential part of business procedure. Losing data to hackers could result cost your company thousands. Don’t let it happen to you!
