Keep Cyber Security Top Priority Year Round

Cybersecurity should be on every business owner’s list of priorities. It is an ever-changing role, and what was a priority two or three years ago may not be as important today. Some people may believe that cybersecurity is the IT department’s responsibility alone, but this is far from the case. Everyone in the office plays a role in keeping the cyber threats to a minimum.

Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, which means that businesses need to take this threat seriously. Companies that are not prepared for cyberattacks are more likely to suffer serious consequences in the event of an attack. It is essential that business owners create a plan of action and take steps to ensure the security of their data.

The Need for Cybersecurity In Business

It’s no secret that cybersecurity is indispensable. There are more than half a million new malicious software threats every day, and this number is increasing at an alarming rate. Businesses need to invest in cybersecurity to protect themselves from the growing threat of cyberattacks.

The most common type of attack is a phishing scheme, in which an employee receives an email that looks like it’s from a legitimate source but actually contains malicious software designed to compromise computers. These types of attacks are rapidly increasing, which means that businesses need to have a plan in place for when this happens.

Other potential threats include:

• Brute force attacks, where hackers try to gain access to the system by trying different passwords until they find one that works.
• Denial-of-service attacks, where hackers overload a website with traffic in order to bring it down.
• Social engineering attacks, where scammers trick employees into giving away sensitive information such as passwords or even credit card numbers.

These and other cyberattacks can have serious consequences for a business if not addressed quickly and effectively. Businesses that are not prepared for a cyberattack may find themselves losing money, facing brand damage, and even risking their customers’ personal information. It’s crucial to act now before it’s too late.

How Businesses Can Improve Their Cybersecurity

The key areas of cybersecurity for any organization include:

• Customer privacy
• Security of customer data and financial transactions
• Employee privacy and security
• Compliance with data protection laws, such as HIPAA

Each of these areas requires its own specific set of practices and policies. For example, businesses need to take steps to ensure that their employees are aware of the importance of keeping customer information secure at all times. They should also make sure that their IT staff is updated on the latest security practices so they can implement them throughout their organization.

Companies can employ many different means to protect their customers’ data. They can use secure servers, firewalls, and encryption technology to prevent third parties from accessing the information. They can also ensure that their employees are properly trained on how to handle customer data and maintain privacy by providing them with a comprehensive training program.

Implementing VPNs

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a secure network connection that allows employees to access internal resources remotely via the internet as if they were on the same local area network (LAN). This helps prevent unauthorized access from external networks and protects data from being intercepted or stolen by malicious third parties looking to gain access without authorization.

VPNs can also help businesses implement a secure remote access policy that allows employees to connect to the network only if they use a VPN client. This will ensure that they are not exposed to malicious software while working remotely and help prevent malware from being installed on the network.

Employing Firewalls

Firewalls are used by companies to prevent unauthorized access to their systems and networks by blocking traffic at specific points in the network architecture to control who has access and what kind of access they have. 

Firewalls can be configured to allow only certain types of traffic, such as email or web traffic, through the firewall. This helps prevent viruses from entering the network via email attachments and other files that may contain malicious software.

One of the best ways firewalls can protect against cyberattacks is by monitoring the traffic that enters and leaves an organization’s network. This allows IT departments to detect suspicious activity, such as a large number of emails going out or large files being transferred to another system. Firewalls can also be configured to block certain types of traffic, such as HTTP requests for websites that are known to host malicious software or user-generated content.

Password Security

Passwords are the keys to accessing computers and networks, so it’s important for passwords to be strong enough to protect sensitive data from prying eyes. Weak passwords are easy prey for hackers. A weak password can be cracked using brute force attacks or other means that require neither special skills nor knowledge.

Strong passwords should include upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols — at least eight characters long. They should make use of random combinations of these characters so that each password differs from another user’s password even if they have similar content. 

Companies can use dedicated password managers to generate random passwords that are unique and can be easily accessed. They should also provide two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security, where users are required to enter another piece of information, such as a code sent via text or email, when logging in.

Encryption Data Storage

Data encryption helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on computers or devices like laptops or smartphones. Encryption scrambles data so it appears as gibberish when viewed by someone who doesn’t have the correct key.

Encryption can also be used to transfer data over the internet so that it’s protected from prying eyes while in transit. Users should always encrypt their data before sending it over the internet, and they should be sure to set strong passwords when creating this type of encryption key.

Companies should use encryption for any data that is stored on laptops or devices and make sure they are encrypted when traveling with them outside the office. They should also protect devices from unauthorized access by using a password or fingerprint lock and setting up remote wiping capabilities so lost or stolen devices can be deleted remotely if necessary.

Cooperation Between HR and IT Enhances Cybersecurity

IT professionals are not experts in employee communication, just as HR professionals are not experts in cybersecurity. Comprehensive business security demands that 

 to create a cohesive security strategy. The right systems and procedures will help a company stay safe from cyber threats, but only if employees understand how they work and adopt them as part of their daily routines.

For instance, when an employee receives a new laptop or phone, it’s up to HR to ensure that he or she knows how to use it safely. This includes making sure the device is password protected. A simple password change can mean the difference between protecting company data and putting the business at risk for a breach.

HR teams can also work with IT to prepare educational materials that explain how employees can protect themselves from cyber threats. These materials should be made available on the company’s intranet, so that employees can access them whenever they need to refresh their knowledge of best practices. They can also be included in the orientation materials that employees receive when they begin working for the company.

Onboarding Effective Cybersecurity Professionals

Human resources teams need to recognize the need for a strong cybersecurity team and work with IT to ensure that the organization has the right people in place. HR teams should also be prepared to support new cybersecurity employees as they go through their onboarding process. This means providing training materials on cybersecurity best practices, along with any other information staffers need to perform their duties effectively.

Interviews should be conducted by someone who is well-versed in cybersecurity and can ask questions that would be useful for identifying candidates who are likely to succeed. For example, it’s important to find out what they know about the company’s network infrastructure, as well as whether they have experience with any of the major cybersecurity protocols or standards.

HR can also prepare orientation packages that emphasize the importance of cybersecurity to the company, and explain what staffers should do if they believe they’ve encountered a problem. The company can also provide regular training sessions so new hires can learn how to protect their systems from attacks.

Enhanced Cybersecurity Protocols for Any Business

Cybersecurity is an ever-changing field and one that every business owner should focus on. It doesn’t matter how large or small a business is, everyone needs to address this threat. The reason is simple: Cyber threats are improving, making it more likely that a company will be dealt a serious blow if they aren’t prepared. Business owners will do well to implement security measures to ensure the safety of their customer data.

That’s why Resourcing Edge emphasizes cybersecurity among all its partners, creating and influencing a culture of security with its clients. This starts from the top and filters down through the company, ensuring that everyone understands their role in protecting data. Contact Resourcing Edge to learn more about how any company can protect itself from cyber threats.