Artem Mykhailov, Enterprise Solutions Director at ISSP, provides 10 practical tips for organizations, primarily small and medium-sized businesses, on minimizing the chances of unauthorized access and corporate resource breaches. These fundamental steps will help safeguard your business from the loss of valuable information and protect against potential financial and reputational damage.
Stick to licensed software only. Using unauthorized software might expose vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit.
Keep everything updated. Make sure your operating system and all software are consistently up to date. Timely updates are crucial for fixing potential vulnerabilities.
Antivirus is a Must. Install antivirus software, even if you're on MacOS. Cybercriminals look for weaknesses, and no platform is completely immune.
Strong passwords and 2FA everywhere. Use complex passwords and activate two-factor authentication wherever possible. It adds an extra layer of security.
Stay sharp on social engineering. Educate your team to recognize social engineering tactics. Cybercriminals often rely on manipulation to gain access.
Cold Backups. Regularly back up your data and store it offline. This ensures you can recover your information in case of an attack or data loss.
Router TLC and hardening. Keep your router's software up to date and tighten its security settings to thwart unauthorized access.
Encrypt and lock it down. Encrypt vital data on laptops and set up robust passwords to ward off unauthorized users.
Mind what you share on social media. Resist the urge to spill sensitive details about your company or team on social media platforms.
Safe data swaps. Establish and stick to secure data exchange protocols with colleagues, especially when dealing with confidential information.
By embracing these practices, your business can significantly bolster its cybersecurity defenses against a range of potential online threats.