Data breaches and breaks in cybersecurity are a real issue that the contemporary world of 2020 is dealing with. Although hacking incidents have always been a part of the digital sphere, experts at HackEDU point to the human error factor as the most critical weak link in even the best security systems. Check out the statistics released by Techradar and you will learn that 90% of data leaks are caused because of one or more employees failing to follow the security instructions. Here’s an overview of what you can do as a company owner to safeguard your business.
1. Bring in the Experts to Identify Weaknesses & Build Defenses
The best strategy to deter cybercriminals is to bring in white hat ethical hackers. These consultants proactively check your company’s defenses from the outside and identify any holes that could become points of entry. Rely on the pros to conduct penetration testing and assess in-place security systems. They’ll suggest the best solutions to repair your vulnerabilities.
2. Educate Your Employees
Conduct training sessions for your employees focused on the dangers of phishing and malware. Talk about the human error factor and how easily one infected email can result in malware finding its way into the entire company’s systems. Set down strict protocols about downloading music, videos, and messages in the workplace. Also, inform them of how unidentifiable programs can be used to collect sensitive information from the servers.
3. Segregate Data & its Usage
Separate your data into categories and limit each one’s access to only the workers who absolutely need it. Institute policies where employees are provided information strictly on a need-to-know basis. If you can restrict the number of people who have access to the data, you’ll have a better chance of eliminating the human error factor. This protects not just company data but also customers from leaks.
4. Enforce Password Policies
Weak passwords that are easy to decipher undermine your security systems and leave you wide open to data breaches. Insist that all employees use robust passwords to access the company systems. It is understandable that people prefer passwords that they can remember easily. However, educate workers on how strong passwords are the best defense against hacking incidents. Using password generation and retrieval tools are simple, practical strategies that work quite well.
5. Institute BYOD Protocols
Many small businesses prefer to allow employees to use their personal devices like laptops, tablets, and mobile phones to provide services to the company’s customers. If you’ve been using this business model as a cost-cutting option, you’ll want to make sure that you have the necessary technology to manage the possibility of malware reaching your company’s servers. It is preferable to invest in a separate network that employees and contractors can use when working with their personal devices.
6. Get Security Technology Relevant to Your Business
While investing in security technology to protect your company is a good move, check with expert IT professionals to get software solutions that are relevant for your business. Choose security tools that are functional and will provide customized firewalls and other protection according to the kind of business your company conducts and the customers to whom you cater. Do keep in mind that onsite computers and laptops can be protected more easily than mobile phones.
When you receive software updates, make sure to install them as directed. Certified, high-grade providers support their products by offering patches from time to time to boost your defenses.
The human error factor is a very real issue when designing a business’s cybersecurity measures. But, with the right strategies, it is possible to get around the problem and secure your company’s systems.
