Last month we discussed how the number of cybersecurity breaches across the globe continue to rise each year, making it more difficult for businesses to safeguard their confidential information and avoid falling victim to cyberattacks. This month, we’re discussing additional measures your business can take to protect itself against cybercriminal activity:
1) Update Operating Systems, Browsers, Programs and Hardware Regularly
Take the proper steps to ensure that all hardware and software are protected. Ensure that your operating systems, web browsers, software programs, antivirus software, firewalls, and computer hardware are updated regularly. Implement a process that incorporates staying abreast of the latest versions of the technical tools that the company is using. Check it regularly to be certain that the latest software and hardware are being used. Failure to proactively keep patches and operating systems up-to-date increases susceptibility to cybersecurity breaches.
2) Properly Dispose of and Safeguard Hardware & Other Confidential Items
There are steps that can be taken to make sure that used hardware is disposed of in a manner that significantly reduces exposure to a security breach. Before donating it or giving electronic items away, backup any necessary information and then restore the hardware back to factory settings. Hard drives and/or hard drive components (i.e., SIM card) should be removed and disposed of properly and in an eco-friendly manner. If the drives contained sensitive data, removal and destruction of the drive may be required for compliance purposes.
Don’t forget: Copy machines also have a hard drive that needs to be erased before disposal. Companies can be held responsible for failing to protect that hard drive data and incur penalties if it is not erased correctly.
3) Restrict Administrative Privileges for Safety
Another element to consider when safeguarding company data is understanding who has access to this information at any time. Administrative privileges should be restricted to a small group to reduce the number of users that have the ability to make significant changes to an operating system.
File cabinets should be locked on a daily basis to keep working files secure. Any physical access to sensitive information should be limited to a core group of employees. This way, in the event of an incident, managers can work with a smaller group of people to determine what occurred and quickly remediate the issue.
It’s also important to note that backing up files to a cloud folder is neither a disaster recovery (DR) or business continuity plan (BC). In order to properly protect your business, you also need to include a backup recovery plan as a last line of defense. We will discuss how to build a strong recovery plan for important data in our January blog article.
4) Get Help from a Professional
This threat landscape is ever-changing, and it is becoming increasingly clear that trying to manage IT internally, without experienced professionals who deal with threats every day, may be exposing your business to more risk.
Consider employing the services of an off-site group of cybersecurity professionals to help guarantee protections. They could also add value by reviewing your mix of security strategies and provide expert feedback on what is working well versus any aspects that warrant remediation. Engage this off-site group as part of the team tasked with ensuring that you are protected against cybersecurity threats.
5) Invest in Cybersecurity Insurance
The best protection does not guarantee you will be safe…human error, brilliant hackers and bad luck could cause issues. For these reasons, this is truly your last line of defense.
Cybersecurity insurance may be purchased to help assist with the recovery process that must occur after a cybersecurity breach. While cybersecurity insurance does typically cover your business’s liability for a data breach that involves confidential customer information, it also provides the necessary resources to address and recover from the event.
It’s important to note that in order to be eligible for cybersecurity insurance coverage, a business must prove that they have at least some level of cybersecurity protections in place. Failing to meet these requirements could result in either being denied coverage or being required to pay an increased premium in order to secure coverage. Working with the right IT security provider can help your business to meet these requirements.
Beyond these additional measures, your team can also work with cybersecurity specialists to create a customized plan that will perfectly suit your business’s needs. By working proactively with an IT specialist who understands the ever-evolving risks that come with the latest technology, you can save your organization time, money, and its brand reputation.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact CMIT Solutions of South Nassau today and we’ll be happy to discuss the right steps necessary to protect your business’s security.
