5 Tips for Better Cybersecurity

In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is a major concern for businesses of all sizes. With the number and sophistication of cyber-attacks on the rise, organizations must take steps to protect their data and systems from malicious actors. While some see cybersecurity as a nice “add-on,” it has certainly become a non-negotiable with the consistency of cyberattacks in recent years.

While there are many different ways to improve your organization’s cybersecurity posture, here are five tips that can help you get started:

1. Implement Antivirus Software:

One of the first steps that businesses should take to improve their cybersecurity is to install antivirus software on all computers and devices used by employees. This software will detect and remove malicious files, as well as alert users when suspicious activity is detected.

As technology is constantly changing, it is important to ensure that the antivirus software is updated regularly so that it can keep up with the latest threats.

2. Train Employees on Cybersecurity Practices:

Due to the constantly evolving nature of cyber threats, it is important to train employees on the different types of threats and how to avoid them. Provide regular training sessions on a variety of topics such as phishing scams, malware, password security, and data privacy.

Phishing

Training employees on phishing is an essential part of any organization’s cybersecurity strategy. Phishing scams are often used by attackers to gain access to sensitive data or networks, so it is important that employees are aware of common tactics and can recognize suspicious emails and websites.

By training employees on how to recognize a phishing attempt, organizations can reduce the risk of falling victim to these scams.

Password Best Practices

One of the best ways to help your employees stay cyber-smart is by coaching them on best practices for passwords.

• at least 8 characters long
• a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters
• combination of numbers and symbols
• not a word found in the dictionary
• unique, not used on other sites

It is recommended to update passwords at least every 90 days, or more often if possible. This ensures that even if a hacker does gain access to your account, it will only be for a short period before you can change the credentials and lock them out.

3. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication:

Passwords can be easy for hackers to guess, so it is important to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for user accounts. MFA requires users to enter an additional code or use a biometric scan to gain access. This makes it much more difficult for hackers to guess passwords and gain unauthorized access.

4. Ensure Your Software is Up-to-Date:

Outdated software is one of the most common targets for hackers, so it is important to make sure that all of your software is up-to-date. This includes operating systems, web browsers, and any other third-party applications that are used.

5. Implement a Firewall:

A firewall acts as a barrier between your internal network and the outside world, helping to protect your sensitive data from attacks. Make sure to set up a firewall on all of your computers and devices, as well as configure it properly with the right settings.

Cybersecurity is a critical component of any business, and these five tips can help you get started in the right direction. Implementing antivirus software, training employees on cybersecurity practices, implementing multi-factor authentication, ensuring your software is up-to-date, and setting up firewalls are all essential steps for boosting your security posture.

While it may seem like an overwhelming task to take on at first glance, with proper planning and execution these strategies will give you peace of mind that your data is safe from malicious actors. With increased awareness about cyber threats comes a greater ability to protect yourself – so don’t wait until it’s too late!

Infographic created by
DFIN, an SEC reporting software
company