Every day, thousands of businesses are targets of cyberattacks. While it’s the high profile cases that make headlines, the fact is that businesses of all sizes are targets.
The consequences of a cyberattack on a business can be catastrophic. There are legal and financial implications if your sensitive data is improperly accessed and used. Everyone needs to take these threats seriously or risk irreversible damage to their business.
There are many methods of attacking business security. The most prevalent include.
- Ransomware
- Malware
- Phishing
- Trojan
- Denial of Service attack (DoS)
- Distributed Denial of Service attack (DDoS)
- Targeting of IoT devices
Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated and so must your IT security. Businesses in Edmond are no different and still under the same risks as others. Here are our top four tips to protect your business from cyber-attacks.
1. Invest in layered security architecture
The first line of defense is a well-designed IT infrastructure with layered security (or layered defense); at its core, layered security using multiple layers of controls to prevent unauthorized access to systems and data.
If you are unsure if your current systems are robust enough, contact IT services in Edmond, Oklahoma and they will be able to help you put the right security in place.
2. Create an incident report procedure
Reporting plays a crucial role in identifying, recording, and analyzing incidents. Having a defined incident reporting system in place to record cybersecurity issues is vital in managing and preventing current issues and preventing future attacks.
An incident reporting process will allow you to collect information and act quickly to mitigate threats as well as strengthen any weaknesses you discover as part of your analysis. Once the threat has been averted or managed, you can then conduct a detailed analysis of the situation and report back to management or shareholders.
Once you have a robust reporting system in place, it needs to be communicated to all levels of the organization. Every person plays a role in being vigilant and keeping company systems secure. It is not just the role of the IT department.
Ongoing employee training and development is vital in helping them recognize and avoid phishing scams. Employees should feel encouraged to report any potential issues rather than feel like they minimally influence the company security.
3. Set up proxy-servers
A proxy server is there to act as a much-needed stopgap between you and the internet. A proxy server can be used as a web filter and firewall, protecting your systems from potential threats.
A good proxy server setup will secure your business data by preventing employees from accessing potentially threatening links and protecting sensitive data such as financial transactions.
4. Use a managed service provider (MSP)
MSPs are used by companies of all sizes. They provide expert support and advice to your internal IT team, or you can outsource your IT function entirely. If employed, they are vital in taking steps to secure your business against cyber attacks.
From conducting a security audit, establishing a reporting protocol, recommending necessary hardware or software you may require, as well as training employees on recognizing potential threats.
They can also set up realtime, continuous monitoring of your systems, so you know immediately if there is a threat to your business.
MSPs will also take into account your security needs when considering any other project or element of your IT setup. Not only can it save you money in staffing and recruitment costs, but you are always guaranteed to have the most up to date expertise and information.
Conclusion
Every business is a potential target of cyber attackers. It doesn’t matter where you are based, what you do, or how much money you turn over. People often labor under the misapprehension that only multi-million dollar firms are the target, but that isn’t the case. Proportionately, small and medium-sized businesses are more likely to be affected, and unlike the bigger companies, they do not often have the resources to withstand the financial impact.
By investing in your IT systems and security, you are giving yourself the very best chance to protect your organization against and react quickly when there is an issue.
