Is Your Business At Risk Through Cybercrime?

Losing any data always puts your company at risk. So much so that 93% of companies who lose data for more than 10 days file for bankruptcy less than a year later. This could be a reality check for a lot of businesses as if they don’t take the responsible steps needed to defend their company, then it could jeopardise the company’s survivability chances.

One of the steps you can use to ensure that your business is safe, is to outsource an IT Support or Service company who will have a variety different measures and the latest technology all in place to ensure your businesses safety. IT Support and Service companies cover all of the issues mentioned below with very little effort needed from your business.

The following are deterrents that you can place yourself to ensure safety:

Phishing emails

This could be anything from special offers to making false claims about a bank statement, and can tempt anywhere between 60%-90% of employees, which can lead to catastrophic consequences for your business.

Here are the actions you can take:

• Teach your employees to make sure they’re vigilant and don’t click on anything they don’t trust.
• Try to carry out regular phishing assessments by exposing staff to regular cyber attacks but in a controlled environment.
• Have a process in place which reports phishing emails and who to notify in case they clicked on it purposely or by accident. The quicker the problem is dealt with, the better.

Data thieves

One of the best ways to ensure that thieves don’t get access to your data is by encrypting your data.

What you can do to limit this is:

• On certain versions of Windows software, encryptions are pretty simple, and on other systems there’s normally software that enables you to do this.
• Ensure that all of your important information is backed up and readily available in case you are unable to access them on your computer.

Password hackers

In 2016, the most common password for all users was ‘123456’. You must ensure that you choose a strong password. It’s the equivalent of putting your house key underneath your doormat, it’s not at all safe. Strong passwords are normally at least 8 characters long and contain numbers, symbols and letters.

Actions you can take:

• Don’t use your companies name or the program you’re using, for example Excel123.
• Don’t keep your passwords on the same account and store them elsewhere other than your PC.

Network infiltrators

Free Wi-Fi or other kinds of wireless networks in areas such as coffee shops, hotels etc are a prime place for hackers.

What you can do to ensure you’re safe:

• Read the terms and conditions of the networks before logging in.
• Ensure that you turn on all safety protection you have available.
• Don’t use these networks to log in to sensitive sites such as online banking.

Virus spreaders

‘Code Red’, ‘Slammer’ and ‘MyDoom’ are all infamous viruses that are classed as some of the most destructive of all time, and though viruses come and go, you must remain vigilant and use the following methods to ensure your businesses safety:

• Keep your internet security software up-to-date and on at all times.
• Apply the most up-to-date Microsoft updates to yourWindows operating system as soon as possible.
• Install and apply the latest manufactures’ updates for all your programs.
• If something doesn’t look right, trust your gut because most likely it isn’t.