Most small- to medium-sized business (SMB) owners think their networks aren’t vulnerable to cyberattacks because they believe they’re too small to get hacked. But based on statistics, 1 of 40 SMBs are targeted by cyberattacks, and the number continues to increase year by year. This means that perpetrators do not only target multinational companies; they are after every organization that has sensitive data that can be exploited for a profit.
Keeping your IT infrastructure safe from cyberattacks requires more effort than simply installing security software. It’s also wise to hire a reputable managed IT services provider (MSP) like Zeta Sky to examine all devices in your network and make sure no illegal connections are made, no entry points are exposed, and systems are constantly safe from threats.
The following network security tips will keep your data safe:
Train your employees
Human error plays a role in many cybersecurity incidents. This may involve giving away information by clicking malicious links in a phishing email, accidentally downloading malicious files, not changing passwords regularly, and not signing out of accounts on a shared computer.
Providing proper cybersecurity training to your workforce will lower the risk of being hacked. An MSP can help provide your staff with practical and up-to-date cybersecurity training programs that outline what they should do in case of attacks like phishing scams. Your employees must understand any security policies relating to network access, creating strong passwords, best practices for file sharing, and reporting lost or stolen devices.
Update your software
Outdated software also makes your networks vulnerable to cyberthreats. Whether it concerns the operating system, anti-malware program, inventory or financial tracking application, or a content management system (CMS), you have to ensure that all software are up-to-date.
That’s because in many cases, it’s easier to hack into an older version of an application since cybercriminals are already familiar with the security vulnerabilities of the outdated OS. Aside from protecting your network, the latest software updates also make your applications easier to use and provide them with new features.
Sign up for Cybersecurity Tips
Email Address
Guard your Wi-Fi
You should also protect your router with a strong password, and only allow employees to access your business network. An MSP can also help you “hide” your network by tweaking the router settings so your network’s name doesn’t show up in a list of wireless networks that appear in unauthorized users’ devices’ network settings. This will make it difficult for cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access.
Enable two-factor authentication
Most enterprises now make use of cloud-based programs like Office 365 for work-related tasks. While these programs are frequently updated for security purposes, hackers could easily hijack computers with an outdated OS. Enabling two-factor authentication ensures that only authorized users are allowed to access business programs.
Two-factor authentication strengthens your IT systems’ security by having users go through not just one but two verification procedures. Aside from requiring a password, users are required to enter a PIN on their personal device for further verification.
Don’t be the next victim of cyberattacks
Businesses of all sizes must take cybersecurity seriously. By taking the proper precautions, you and your staff can rest easy knowing that your networks are protected against various hacks.
Reliable MSPs such as Zeta Sky will monitor your network and proactively manage your cyber security daily, and recommend the latest policies or technologies that can keep your data safe. Make your business grow without worrying about IT issues by partnering with a trusted MSP.
Zeta Sky provides secure cloud desktop solutions for clients at Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, and Riverside, and we work hard to keep your IT infrastructure optimized and working efficiently. Call us right now, and we will give you a free security consultation to show you how important cybersecurity is.
Is your business considering more flexibility for your employees? Are you thinking of allowing remote work for your staff? Everybody else seems to be on it. The question is, is your company ready?
