With cybersecurity becoming a major concern for businesses and governments alike, cybersecurity should no longer be left as an afterthought. This is especially true in today’s industry landscape given that due to the pandemic, even in 2021, several companies are operating remotely. The best strategy is to leverage cybersecurity services in New York City and implement these Cybersecurity Tips.
While cybersecurity measures may seem like too much of a hassle to conduct in the workplace, implementing them on remote work structures is a next-level challenge. Opting for cybersecurity services will immediately provide you with peace of mind while also helping you keep up to speed with cybersecurity regulation requirements. Here are 6 cybersecurity strategies every business owner must implement!
1. Create Strong Passwords
Creating strong passwords helps you build a strong defense against unauthorized access to your information and device. With several accounts, it’s hard to keep track, and password managers help you manage your passwords. In addition, it is easy to access them when required. The unique and strong passwords help you boost the protection level immensely. You can make it more difficult for cybercriminals to disrupt your system networks and gain access.
What must you consider when creating passwords? Below are the 7 hacks you must take into account when creating a strong password:
- Create at least 15 characters long and include a mixture of numbers, letters, and punctuation.
- Use Two-Factor Authentication Whenever Possible
- Avoid using common words
- Use a phrase that you can easily remember
- Generate passwords with tools
- Avoid using your personal information
- Don’t use the same password for all accounts
2. Install Updates
Don’t ever ignore the pop-up notifications of software updates available for all the devices that you use for work. Always install the latest software as soon as the notification pops up. The software updates are beneficial; it helps repair the security loopholes and protect your system.
Mostly when you are busy you avoid such notifications and forget to install the new software updates. Timely software updates are essential. It is best to opt for auto-update for software on all your devices such as computers, laptops, mobile devices, etc.
It will help you counter the future possibility of problems due to late system updates.
3. Create Remote Work Strategy
Your team can face many issues when working from remote locations. Having a remote work policy in place can help you run your business seamlessly without any hassle. Training your team for cyber incident response is a reliable strategy. It empowers your team to deal with cyber incidents.
Below is a list of topics that you may want to include in the training module:
- Data protection
- Information disposal
- Compliance requirements
- Backup & media storage
- Information system security
- Alternative work sites
- Remote access control
However, creating a remote work strategy isn’t a simple task. If the task seems more daunting for you, consider delegating this to the professionals. They are aware of all the possible scenarios that your team might face in remote work conditions so they can create a flawless strategy.
4. Identify Phishing Scams
A phishing email consists of an embedded link or attachment that the scammer wants you to click on, and as soon as you click on that link, it unleashes malware into your device and system disruption. The ongoing pandemic isn’t just affecting business workspace but also has led to an increase in phishing email scams. As per Barracuda Networks, a security firm, there was an unbelievable rise of about 667% in phishing email scams that began at the end of February 2020.
When working remotely, your team needs to be cautious if the email looks suspicious and if they should click on that link or attachment. Below are a few tips to detect phishing emails:
- The first giveaway is if the domain name is spelled correctly or not.
- Use reliable email providers for communication and data protection.
- Check for spelling or grammatical errors in the email text.
- Never believe messages that give you a sense of urgency. It is one of the psychological tricks that scammers use to trick people into clicking malicious links.
- Never believe in emails sent from public domains like Yahoo or Gmail. Legitimate businesses use their email domain for company accounts.
- Avoid opening the attached files that you didn’t expect. For example, if you receive an attached PDF file email claiming to be an invoice from a person that you don’t know, avoid clicking on it at all costs.
5. Use A Secure Global Network
Security is critical than ever in the digital age, with distributed teams working remotely and data transfer across cloud services. The exclusive secure global network offers a reliable network for multiple office locations, cloud services, and data centers to interact privately with ease.
It guarantees that your data transmission is secure and ensures network security from hackers and cyber spies trying to intercept sensitive information, like customer data, financial documents, and more.
3 Advantages Of Secure Global Network
1. Grows Trust:
It helps secure the network, boosts customer confidence, and shields businesses from any legal or reputational fallout due to security breaches.
2. Lowers Risk:
It assists businesses to comply with government & business regulations minimizing the financial and business breach repercussions if it happens.
3. Defends Proprietary Information:
The clients trust you to secure their sensitive data, and your business also has the same necessity. A secure global network helps protect data and information shared.
6. Place Your Devices Separately
Make sure the employee uses the device provided by the business only for work. You must instruct them not to binge-watch Netflix or any other television show. They must refrain from booking tickets for any show, movie, or travel necessity and other things that they must only do on their personal device. This also means they cannot use their personal devices for work as it lacks adequate security.
You can minimize cybersecurity risk by practicing this policy and prevent the chances of your business or personal data from being stolen.
Cyberattacks are only going to grow with every passing day, making it essential to take extra measures for the security of your business devices and networks. You can go a long way in creating a line of defense for your business against cybercrimes increasing in the remote work era by following all the above steps.
Strengthen Your Defense Line
Boost your network security by leveraging cybersecurity services in NYC. It will make your entire business network and systems impenetrable from consistent cybersecurity attacks.
Xperteks understands business needs and provides cybersecurity services to meet business necessities.
You are just a call away from our expert to book an appointment with us to guarantee your business security at all times. Contact us at 212.206.6262 today!