Essential Cybersecurity Tips for 2021
As we move further into 2021, it’s become increasingly important to update your business cybersecurity strategy. 2020 showed an increase in online attacks that threatened businesses and organizations. Hacking techniques are always becoming more sophisticated, so it’s essential that your cybersecurity is up to the challenge.
With that in mind, here are some things that you should keep in mind to ensure your business’s cybersecurity will keep you protected in 2021.
Monitor Your Network
Strong network security is an essential part of any business, large or small. To protect your business information, continual network monitoring is a critical preventative step.
Many companies know to monitor networks during the periods of heavy traffic while employees are using the network. It’s just as important to source network monitoring from IT cybersecurity services that provide you with constant network security. Through 24/7 monitoring, you can be protected from cyberattacks at any time of day or night.
Understand Social Engineering
It’s a mistake to assume that all cybersecurity attacks and breaches are down to technical failings. One of the most common methods of business security manipulation is through social engineering.
Hackers can often use direct human interaction to manipulate employees to gain access to sensitive information. This can be through pretending to be someone in a position of authority. Hackers may also be skilled at asking enough of the right questions to fill in all of the blanks for themselves. With these methods, they can get the information that they need to attack your business’s accounts or get a hold of data.
Anyone can be vulnerable to social engineering tactics. Providing training and guidance to your employees on how to recognize and avoid them is essential.
Have Clear Remote Work Policies
Due to the changes required from the pandemic, remote work is commonplace at many businesses. Even while others return to the office, many businesses will continue to provide remote or hybrid work options when possible.
Remote work introduces additional security risks. You need to be sure that you’re providing your employees with all of the knowledge that they need for data protection. This includes having the right policies in place.
You should be aware of what devices are being used at home. If employees are keeping sensitive information and data on their personal devices, you need to be sure that they have the right security measures in place on them. In addition, be sure to have a business continuity plan that employees know how to enact when away from the office.
Keep Your Email Secure
When it comes to email safety, smart spam filters and employee training on phishing scams are essential. However, it’s important to be aware that there are just as many risks when sending out emails as when receiving them. Emails that contain sensitive business or client information can be intercepted by cybercriminals far more easily than you might expect.
There are some steps to take to prevent this from happening. Two-factor authentication on all business accounts can add extra security if hackers get access to emails with information. Likewise, encryption services can help to protect any sensitive information that your business sends via email.
