In today’s increasingly Internet-dependent business landscape, many companies remain vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks and threats. Critical applications, customer data, proprietary information, and other assets are put at stake when businesses fail to prepare for the worst. Here’s how you can avoid this pitfall.   

5 Measures to Minimize Cybersecurity Threats

1. Understand Risks

As the business owner, you have to know which critical areas of your operation are prone to cybersecurity attacks. Identify the risks by monitoring the network and daily activities to understand how you can reduce your vulnerabilities. Estimate your risk level based on how valuable your assets are. The higher the value is, the tighter the security should be.

2. Educate Employees

Not all security attacks are external, as sometimes they come from within the organization. Employees are among your first line of defense, so train them on cybersecurity best practices. Remind them to change passwords and avoid downloading from unsafe sources. Keep them updated about potential threats and how to identify malicious activities like phishing, malware, data breach, and other forms of attack.

3. Limit Access

One way to ensure that data breaches never happen is through access limitation. Refrain from giving employees, vendors, and clients full access to critical applications and information. This makes it easy for them to manipulate transactions. Instead, approve limited access based on necessity, job, or function so that you can pinpoint where the breach started or who is liable.

4. Secure the Network

It bears repeating that tight network security is of utmost importance. The smallest crack is an opportunity for cybercriminals to do their work. Ensure that your firewall and anti-malware are updated with the latest security patches. Keep your Wi-Fi secure with a strong, regularly changed password to prevent unauthorized access to your network and servers.

5. Be Prepared for Attacks

When it comes to cybersecurity, take a proactive approach instead of a reactive stance. Keep important data regularly backed up on-site or via the cloud to ensure business continuity amidst an attack. Change passwords at least every month and implement multi-factor authentication for critical applications and data. Update your computers and software as protection against the latest threats. Lastly, have a solid plan of how you’ll proceed after an attack.

Make sure your business stays on top of its cybersecurity measures to keep threats and attacks at bay by working with the IT consultants at Network Solutions & Technology. Based in East Northport, NY, they’ve provided IT services and tech, website, and VoIP support to clients across New York City and the greater Tri-State area. Learn more about their security awareness training online or call (877) 678-8080 today to speak to a representative.