5 Tips to build the right Cyber Security profile for your business

There’s a misconception happening in the world of business that is centered on the idea that only the largest companies and businesses are predisposed to harmful cyberattacks. But the truth is, small start-ups are in fact the most vulnerable. They often serve as key entry points to larger corporations, and sadly they usually notice that something is wrong when it’s too late. Studies have shown that 71% of all cyberattacks happen in companies with less than 10 employees.

It can be challenging to stay protected and keep up with such “deadly” threats. Nonetheless, it’s not something impossible to achieve. The following tips should help you improve security, thus focus on boosting productivity and not constantly worry that someone will someday come and steal your most valuable data.

Have an employee internet policy in place

Start by crafting an internet policy for your employees. Cover different aspects of cybersecurity and teach your people everything there is to know on using the email company correctly. Settle on strict social media accounting rules, too. Failing to educate employees on the hazardous effects of improper internet browsing might trigger vulnerable breaches. As far as cybersecurity is concerned, too much caution just doesn’t exist.

Systems upkeeps should become your number 1 priority

Rather than replace your systems due to a cyberattack, it’s best to keep all your systems updated. Perform regular system checks and make sure all your computers are up-to-date. Monthly routine maintenance, scans, and software updates are highly recommended on all smart devices, not just laptops and computers. Patch and discover gaps and vulnerabilities before they turn into unfixable cyber threats.

Secure both your networks and your applications

It might be a good idea to monitor your network’s traffic continuously, and look for anomalies such as unauthorized file transfers or suspicious IP addresses. As soon as your department’s IT admin identifies the errors, you can easily block these and prevent them from accessing your network ever again.

Make sure to secure all of your online platforms. Set up WAFs (web application firewalls) to HTTP conversations. This way. IT administrators can easily identify and also block potential online attacks, like SQL injections and cross-site scripting.

System backup

One of the most common types of security threats remains “ransomware”. Basically, it is a concept where a hacker steals your computer files, encrypts them and then keeps them until you agree to pay some sort of ransom to get them back. Back in 2015, the FBI released a very important warning, announcing businesses and companies that even if you choose to pay the ransom, you may still not get all your files back. Ransomware is a preferred weapon by cyber-criminals, meaning that it’s fundamental to back up all your systems someplace safe, preferably on hard drives.

Cybersecurity Response Plan

In case your business falls the victim of a cyberattack, you need a response plan, and you need to do it fast. Otherwise, irreparable damage can be done to your productivity and business mantra. In real life, a well-crafted cybersecurity response plan is made up of 8 key stages:

• Detection
• Analysis
• Identification
• Notification
• Eradication
• Containment
• Recovery
• Post-incident recovery

Keep in mind that a plan meant to detail all of these stages can do a lot of good to your business, as it can stop an attack, restore business processes and data, notify harmed parties, and even adjust and improve your system so that nothing like this happens ever again. As threats become more and more advanced, cybersecurity issues and breaches within your company may go mainstream.

But there’s no reason to despair. Provided that you take precaution measures well in advance, you have the highest chances of building the right cyber security profile for your business. In case you need any assistance, you are advised to contact a competent digital web agency. There’s no shame in asking for help, especially when it comes to doing everything that you can to keep your online business safe and sound. Rather than take a risk and think “this won’t happen to me”, it’s best to be on the safe side and protect your assets as much as possible.