If your business stores any kind of sensitive client information, it is important to ensure that you have the proper procedures and processes in place in order to prevent hackers from being able to obtain access to the information. Below, we’ve outlined five of the top cybersecurity tips that will help you to keep sensitive data safe.
Implement Firewalls and Anti-Virus Protection
One of the most critical cybersecurity tips is utilizing firewalls. Firewalls control the information feeding into the business’s network by serving as a barrier to potentially threatening inbound and outbound traffic. A firewall filters the traffic to prevent viruses from gaining access to the site.
Anti-Virus protection is a great addition to firewalls, because it protects your network against viruses that may have slipped through the filters of your system’s firewall. While a firewall blocks a virus from entering, antivirus software can scan for and delete any viruses that have gained access to the system.
Together, firewalls and antivirus protection are effective tools at eliminating threats of viruses from your network.
Back Up Your Passwords with Multi-Factor Authentication
In addition to creating good passwords that contain a random combination of letters, numbers, and symbols and changing those passwords often, multi-factor authentication is a great tool for ensuring that only authorized users gain access to sensitive information on your business’s network.
Multi-factor authentication is a type of program that requires a user attempting to log-in to an account to present two (or more) pieces of evidence, or credentials, that verify the login. These credentials are typically in addition to your username/ password combination.
These additional credentials may be something you know, like a PIN or a password, something you ‘are’, like your fingerprint or facial recognition, or something you have, like a smart card. These additional credentials ensure that even if a hacker has one piece of evidence to gain access to your account, there is an additional roadblock that keeps them from gaining access to the account.
You should use MFA as often as possible, but particularly on any sensitive information, such as health records, primary emails, and financial accounts. Some sites may require you to enable MFA, but it is typically an option to enable it where it is not required. The more levels of protection around your sensitive information- the better.
Don’t Use Wifi or Visit Sites That Are Not Secure
It can be tempting to use public or not-secure wifi when you are away from your desk or office. However, hackers can easily gain access to your device’s information while you are using the non-secure network. Additionally, non-secure websites are not reliable, and may be attempting to steal your data. Stay away from these sites and networks.
If using a public wifi network is absolutely necessary, using a VPN can block hackers from accessing your data. You can also use a hotspot using your cellular data if you are unable to use a VPN.
Use a Password Manager
The majority of people use very weak passwords and reuse them on different websites. How are you supposed to use strong, unique passwords on all the websites you use?
The solution is a Password Manager like 1Password or LastPass. Password Managers store your login information for all the websites you use and help you log into them automatically. They encrypt your password database with a master password — the master password is the only one you have to remember.
Keep Your Software Up-To-Date
Because technology is constantly evolving, software must be consistently updated in order to ensure hackers don’t take advantage of any cracks in your system. Ensuring your systems are always updated to the latest version will prevent many hackers from gaining access to your system.
Hire an MSP
One of the best cybersecurity tips is hiring a managed service provider. A managed service provider is extremely beneficial when keeping sensitive data secure. A MSP such as Stasmayer will monitor activity on your network 24/7 and eliminate any potential threats. The MSP will also manage software security (including updates) and implement firewalls and antivirus protection.
Contact Stasmayer for IT help today!