A cyber-attacks is when digital information is stolen, or used in some way, by an attack from the internet. It could be from hackers who try to obtain personal information such as names, addresses or credit card details, or it could be viruses that damage files and software, sabotaging the functions that allow a business to run. Cyber-attacks present a threat to all who use computers, and for businesses, it can result in a loss of data and reputation that can have financial implications which are difficult to recover from. If you are looking for helpful ways for how you can prevent cyber-attacks, find out six ways below:
- Passwords
There are lots of things we sign into on the internet, such as social media and email accounts. Keeping passwords different for all accounts helps to keep information safe because if you use the same password, it makes it easy for a hacker to access all of your accounts as soon as they know one password. It is also a wise idea to regularly change your passwords, and use phrases that are not easy to guess. Using a variety of letters, numbers and other character combinations make it harder for a hacker to infiltrate, and steering clear from common passwords like your street name is important.
- Software Updates
Keeping software regularly updated means that it is equipped to deal with the newest forms of attack. Updates mean that previous flaws and weaknesses in software are repaired, so there is less chance of successful attack. Most software updates are simple to do, so schedule time to do so regularly.
- Secure Network
Make sure your network security is up to the job, which means having multi-layered protection such as firewalls, anti-virus, and malware in place. Setting up a secure network can be done in-house, or by using an expert service provider such as Torix who can support you through your technology needs.
- Beware of Links
When you open emails, avoid opening links in them unless they come from a trusted source. Spam emails are not always easy to recognize, but anything that sounds too good to be true, or comes from an address that has lots of unrecognizable number and letters in, could contain links that contain viruses.
- Physical Security
If your employees use laptops, you must have training procedures in place, so they know not to leave them, and other equipment, on show where it could be stolen. A laptop that contains confidential information could get into the wrong hands and leave your business open to a cyber-attack and data breach.
- Encryption
Sensitive data should be fully encrypted to ensure that there is no unauthorized access. This is when text is covered over with unreadable code which can only be read by those with access to a decryption key. It helps in the case of a cyber-attack because if any information is stolen, it would be unreadable.
As the digital age progresses, cyber-attacks are becoming more frequent. Any computer user is at risk of having information stolen by hackers, so it is important to take steps to protect your information. Following a few simple steps can help prevent cyber-crime from affecting you or your business, so take action now to make sure you are secure.
