Computer Says Not Again!
New threats, increasing levels of cyberattacks, more data breaches
Cyber Security is broad and will never be absolute, but we wanted to share some helpful tips and information, that if considered and implemented, should give your business a solid foundation of IT security and give you peace of mind.
Protect Your Business with Endpoint Protection
Not to be confused with Anti-Virus, Endpoint Protection focuses on securing client devices such as laptops, desktops, mobile devices, and other network-connected devices. The goal of endpoint security is to prevent cyber-attacks that target these devices and the sensitive data they contain.Think of endpoint security as a shield that protects your devices from cyber threats. It’s like having a security guard stationed at every entrance to your home or office, making sure that only authorised individuals can enter.There are many different types of cyber threats that can target endpoint devices, such as malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. Endpoint security solutions are designed to detect and prevent these threats from infecting your devices.
Examples of endpoint security solutions include antivirus software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. These tools work together to monitor network traffic, identify suspicious activity, and block potential threats.
By implementing endpoint security measures, you can ensure that your devices and the sensitive data they contain are protected from cyber-attacks. So, whether you’re working from home or in the office, endpoint security is an essential part of your cybersecurity strategy.
The key benefits of Endpoint Protection are…
• Protects sensitive data from being accessed by unauthorized users.
• Prevents malware infections and other cyber threats from entering the network.
• Helps identify and respond to cyber threats in real-time.
Add an Extra Layer of Security with Multifactor Authentication
Already a complimentary feature of your MS365 Subscription, MFA requires users to provide more than one form of authentication before accessing an application, network, or system. It’s the same as having a double lock on your front door – it makes it much harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your sensitive information.
MFA is needed because passwords alone are no longer enough to protect our accounts from cyber-attacks. Hackers have become increasingly sophisticated in their methods, and they can easily crack weak passwords or steal them through phishing attacks.Without MFA, your accounts are vulnerable to cyber-attacks that can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and other serious consequences.
For example, if a hacker gains access to your email account, they can use it to reset passwords for other accounts, such as your bank account or social media profiles. This can lead to a domino effect of compromised accounts, leaving you with a big mess to clean up.But with MFA, even if a hacker manages to steal your password, they still won’t be able to access your account without the second form of authentication.
This can be something like a fingerprint scan, a text message with a verification code, or a security token that generates a unique code every few seconds.
MFA adds an extra layer of protection that can prevent cybercriminals from gaining access to your sensitive information. Without it, you’re leaving the door wide open for cyber-attacks to wreak havoc on your digital life.
MFA…
• Provides an additional layer of security to prevent unauthorised access to sensitive data and systems.
• Protects against password-related cyber threats such as brute force attacks and password guessing.
• Helps ensure that users are who they claim to be, reducing the risk of identity theft and other fraud.
Educate Your Employees and Reduce the Risk of Cyber Threats
Companies big and small share a common enemy when it comes to data breaches, and that’s employees lack of awareness of the dangers. Security awareness training involves educating employees on safe computing practices and the potential risks associated with cyber threats.
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and employees play a critical role in protecting their organisation’s sensitive data. Security awareness training is a crucial component of any organisation’s cybersecurity strategy.The lack of security awareness among employees is a common cause of data breaches, and it can be costly.
The average cost of a data breach reached a record high in 2022. The global average total cost of a data breach increased by USD 0.11 million to USD 4.35 million in 2022, the highest it’s been in the history of the IBM Cost of a Data Breach 2022 Report*.
Cybercriminals often target employees through phishing attacks, social engineering, and other tactics. Without proper training, employees may fall victim to these attacks, inadvertently exposing their organisation’s sensitive data to cybercriminals.
Security awareness training involves educating employees on safe computing practices, such as creating strong passwords, avoiding suspicious emails, and using secure Wi-Fi networks. It also teaches employees how to recognise and report potential cyber threats, such as phishing emails or suspicious website links.
By investing in security awareness training, organisations can empower their employees to be the first line of defense against cyber threats. This can help prevent data breaches, reduce the risk of financial losses, and protect the organisation’s reputation.
Security awareness training:
• Helps reduce the risk of human error and unintentional security breaches.
• Increases employee awareness of the importance of cybersecurity.
• Empowers employees to be an active part of the organisation’s cybersecurity strategy.
Delivering regular cybersecurity training can significantly reduce the risk of cyber threats and data breaches. By prioritising cybersecurity and keeping it front of mind with employees, businesses can safeguard their sensitive data, protect their systems, and maintain the trust of their customers.
Don’t Let Cybercriminals Infiltrate Your Business through Email
The purpose of an email filtering solution is to scan emails for spam, viruses, and other malicious content.
Implementing an email filtering solution will…
• Prevent phishing attacks and other email-based cyber threats from entering the network.
• Helps protect sensitive data from being compromised via email.
• Saves time and improves productivity by filtering out spam and unwanted emails.