Across the nation, even the smallest businesses are finding that online threats such as cyber criminals and data brokers are a real, common threat, which is why infrastructure integrity is something that businesses need to know if they want to ensure their online safety. When you hear the phrase infrastructure integrity, it refers to the setup that you have which promotes safety and security; this setup includes firewalls, antivirus software and backups.
If your business hasn’t invested in a proper cybersecurity solution yet, you’re putting your sensitive data at risk. Here is how you can make cybersecurity a priority to keep your business safe from online threats.
Restrict and Control Access to Your Networks
One of the main reasons that online threats penetrate a business’s security system is because of unrestricted access and control to networks. Cyber criminals can take advantage of these poorly secured networks to steal personal data, and the average cost of even a single breach thanks to ransomware and poor password usage is around one million dollars.
The best way to avoid this is by making sure that each employee has their own account and passwords for critical processes while refraining from sharing this information with anybody. You company should also set up appropriate levels of access for employees, so that junior employees can’t have access to more important financial records, client information or trade secrets this information should be strictly for senior employees.
Assess Your Current State of Readiness
Cybersecurity is not something that can be implemented overnight. Before you can solve any problem, it helps to know what the problem actually is. To do this, conduct an assessment of your organization’s current cybersecurity posture by evaluating its security strengths, weaknesses and risks. This will help identify areas where improvements can be made so that you’re better equipped to protect against cyberattacks and other attacks on your network resources.
Identify What You Need To Protect And Document It
If you know what data is most important to your business, then it’s easier to protect it with proper safeguards and protocols. Documenting all of your assets will help ensure that nothing falls through the cracks when it comes time to implement your new plan for cybersecurity.
Run Break-In Drills
Just like schools conduct run fire and earthquake drills, cybersecurity companies should be running mock break-ins to keep companies on their toes. Your company should be engaging with cybersecurity companies for penetration testing, in which professionals will attempt to gain access to your networks, under supervision of course, while our SIEM services act to defuse the situation.
Keep Your Applications and Software Updated
It’s important to keep software updated so that it effectively fights off new threats. If you fail to keep your operating systems and applications up-to-date, you’re running intense risks; it’s like leaving your home unlocked, someone can break in at any moment. There are new methods of hacking being discovered every day, and your systems need to be updated to fight new threats.
Takeaway
Following the above-listed steps will be essential to developing and maintaining a successful cybersecurity plan. Fundamentally, this requires securing your network and addressing gaps in user education and awareness. Whether you’re an individual, startup, or large corporation, there are ways to develop and maintain a strong security posture that’s both reasonable and sufficient for the size of your business. These best practices will allow you to provide the protection necessary for operating a safe and secure business, so take a few extra minutes to ensure that your network is as secure as it possibly can be. Hopefully, this article helped you on your way.
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