The number of cyber-attacks have doubled in the last few years and they are posing a serious threat to business security. Today’s world is driven by the internet of things and technology due to which more and more business owners are investing in cutting-edge technology for protecting not just their physical assets, but their online data as well. In order to prevent inadvertent security lapses, following these top tips can be helpful as they can play an important role in achieving strong network security:
- Use strong authentication methods
It is no longer secure to use traditional usernames and passwords because sophisticated hackers are able to bypass them easily. Strong authentication means using two-factor authentication as two different things are required for proving your identity. This reduces the chances of any outsider being able to access your accounts.
- Keep software upgraded
No matter how small or big the fix is, software security patches are of the utmost importance. If you don’t update your machine with the latest security patch, it will be left vulnerable and these loopholes can be exploited by the latest malware or virus. It is best to set automatic updates and also provide education to employees about updating immediately when a new patch becomes available.
- Educate employees
Human error is one of the biggest cybersecurity threats faced by small businesses. This can lead to mistakes like downloading malicious files accidentally, not updating passwords regularly, leaving accounts open on shared computers and sharing information via phishing scams. Therefore, you need to educate your employees about proper cybersecurity for mitigating the risks to your network.
- Get regular security audits
Technology changes very rapidly these days and new vulnerabilities are discovered on a daily basis. Consequently, it is essential for businesses to be proactive rather than reactive. The best way to do this is by hiring an expert, such as https://www.digitalhands.com/ for getting the security evaluated and audited. They will be able to identify the weaknesses in your system and will also provide effective solutions that can reduce the risk of breach significantly.
- Safeguard your Wi-Fi
Cybercriminals often use the Wi-Fi network as a point of entry into a network due to which it is necessary to take steps for securing your internet connection. The first thing you need to do is ensure that you are using a firewall and that all data that passes through your network is encrypted. The router should also be password-protected and only employees should be allowed access. It is recommended that you hide your network so it is not visible to others. If you have to have a public Wi-Fi option for your customers, it is best to set up a second network for this purpose.
- Use a VPN
You can add an extra layer of security during web browsing with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This is especially true when you are accessing business files over unsecured or public networks. VPN can mask your IP address and encrypt the data so your information is protected from potential hackers.