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Oct 3, 2022
With Halloween right around the corner, Milner is carving out some wickedly wonderful cybersecurity advice by looking closely at different cybersecurity topics all month long for National Cyber Security Awareness Month. The first post in this month's series details easy yet important ways to protect your business from cyber-threats. Get in touch with a Milner IT expert today to learn how you can protect yourself and your business from online predators, and check back weekly to find out more frighteningly good tips on how to remain cyber-secure. We're addressing everything from MFA to phishing and more. Trust us, missing this series could end up in a terrifying result.
You may think your business is safe from a break-in from online ghouls and goblins, but cyber-predators are always watching, and they are only drawing closer each minute. Check out these top three methods of keeping sensitive data safe for you and your business. For more tips on staying safe from online threats, visit our checklist for 15 ways to protect your business.
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Passwords alone aren't enough to keep you safe from today's sophisticated cyber criminals. Keeping your passwords safe requires multiple authentication methods and stronger, unique passwords for every site. A study conducted in 2021 revealed that 61 percent of people are still using the same password across multiple accounts, and a shocking 50 percent of IT professionals reuse passwords across work accounts. Strong passwords are those that consist of eight or more characters combining letters, numbers, and special characters. Use a password manager to create and store unique passwords. Secure your sensitive data by adding a second layer of identification, such as an authentication code, a face or fingerprint scan, or a security key.
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Cybercriminals may be deterred for a short time by the latest cybersecurity updates, but they will never stop trying to get at your data. Since you last checked for updates, hackers have discovered new vulnerabilities and figured out how to breach those new security patches. To combat this, make sure your mobile devices, tablets, and laptops are up-to-date. Additionally, ensure your applications, including your web browsers, are updated regularly on all your devices. When updating your software, refer to the 3,2,1 rule. Keep 3 copies of your data, 2 different storage types, and 1 copy kept off-site. You can simplify your life by turning on automatic updates for all your devices, apps, and operating systems, and by regularly restarting your devices to ensure that updates are fully installed.
Cyber threats can't be completely prevented, but by implementing robust defense strategies, they can be mitigated. One way to reduce your vulnerability to attacks, is to implement a system that is designed to detect abnormal behaviors. Unlike threat detection, which detects and interrupts threats when they trigger, this type of system searches for dormant threats or malware-opened backdoors, reducing the time it takes to detect exposures. You can reduce expenses, optimize your operations, and ensure you are as safe from cyber attacks as possible by contacting us today for a free, holistic assessment of your organization's IT infrastructure.
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It is often our emails that provide access to all our other valuable accounts, as well as a record of our communications with friends, family, and colleagues. Don’t fall for the terrifying tricks that hackers put out to lure you into giving them access to your most important and personal information. To prevent hackers from gaining access to your personal information, make sure the link you are clicking on is from a trusted source. A phishing email's unfamiliar link is the beginning of 90% of successful cyber attacks. Phishing schemes are used to obtain sensitive information by presenting a website or a link that appears legitimate. Phishing emails may also contain malicious software, otherwise known as malware. Think before clicking a link you don't recognize.
Despite our best efforts, threats to our privacy and security are constant, and things can change drastically in a short amount of time. Technological advancements will bring evolving hackers, which may make cybercrime the world's biggest threat within five years. It is best to stay informed and educate ourselves about best cybersecurity practices, no matter how chilling they may seem. No matter what industry your business is in, understanding cyber terminology, threats and opportunities is imperative. With advanced cyber solutions for your business through Milner, you are investing in the health and security of your company. You never know where cyber-predators are going to strike next. Don’t get caught in the dark all alone! Our IT consultants can work with you to improve your operations and increase the reliability of your network. Request a free IT health check today!
