In recent years, many of our clients have become more
concerned about hackers and cyber crimes. They aren’t alone. Surveys show that
U.S. companies lose billions to digital crime every year, and the number of
companies affected – including Fortune 500 corporations, small businesses, and
even government agencies – grows by the month.
However, that doesn’t mean you are powerless to prevent criminals
from breaking into your website, servers, or computer files. In fact, there are
a number of concrete steps you can take starting today to keep hackers away
from your business. Let’s take a look at a handful of simple but effective
protective measures you can put into place…
Invest in Staff
Training
The weakest link in your cyber security plan probably isn’t
a specific piece of hardware or software; it’s the bad habits you and your team
might have. Firms like ours offer ongoing tech security training that teaches
simple best practices you can use to close the door on hackers and make it
harder for them to break it.
Take Password
Policies Seriously
As we have written the past, strong passwords that are
regularly changed can be a very effective first line of defense against
computer criminals. It’s easy to rely on simple passwords, or use the same ones
again and again, but this is an area where a little bit of planning and
precaution can go a long way.
Put Firewalls and
Security Software in Place
These are the digital equivalent of having strong locks and
windows on your office. They might not prevent every hack, break in, or malware
attempt, but you are far less likely to be targeted if you have basic security
measures then you would be without them.
Avoid Suspicious
Emails and Websites
When you or your employees visit untrustworthy websites, or
open attachments from emails you don’t recognize, hackers are practically being
invited into your business. This is a boring piece of advice but one that still
holds up: don’t visit suspicious websites on work computers, and scrutinize
every flash drive, file, or email attachment that comes your way.
Control Access to
Your Office and Technology
Hackers don’t always get into your company through digital means.
Sometimes they make their way into your office posing as service workers, job
applicants, or even interns. Pay attention to the faces you see coming in and
out of your company, and make sure that not just anyone (even your employees)
can get access to important passwords or software applications.
Run Regular Updates
and Backups
Hackers often look for businesses that are running outdated
versions of existing software because they will have known security issues.
That’s why you should always be updating your applications so you have the
latest and strongest protections. Additionally, by running regular backups you
can keep extra sets of your files that will be helpful in the event your
company is hacked.
Keep an Eye on Your
Accounts and Analytics
It’s bad enough to be hacked; it’s even worse if the online
break-in goes undetected for days or weeks at a time. By regularly scanning
your accounts and computer analytics you can be on the lookout for a regular
activity that could be the first sign of a crime.
Rely on Your 24/7
Helpdesk
If all of this seems like a lot of work, remember that a
good managed services vendor will set up these protections – and many more – on
your behalf. Additionally, they’ll configure and monitor a 24/7 helpdesk and
oversight system so you can be sure someone will always be looking out for your
data security.
Is it Time for a
Smarter IT Strategy?
Whether you’re looking to protect sensitive data, reduce
technology expenditures, or just do away with nagging problems that slow your
team’s productivity Kinetik IT can help. Our firm is one of the most trusted in
Phoenix and beyond because we put our clients first. Contact us today to see
how we can help your business develop a smarter tech strategy.