14 Ways to Avoid a Cyberattack

The bad news: One in five small businesses will suffer a cyber breach this year.

The good news? Ninety-seven percent of these breaches can be prevented using today’s technology – and we’re going to walk you through a few steps you can take to keep your data safe, starting now.

1. Security Assessment

When was your last assessment? If you have to think about it, it’s been too long. Establishing a baseline helps you determine (and defuse) existing vulnerabilities.

2. Spam Email

Most attacks originate in your inbox, with 94 percent of malware being delivered via email. We can help you choose a service capable of reducing spam and protecting your staff from exposure to attacks.

3. Computer Updates

For better security, keep Microsoft, Adobe and Java products updated. We provide an automated “critical update” service that will help defend your computer against the latest known attacks.

4. Passwords

A hacker can guess a four-character password with the click of a button – that’s why it’s crucial to choose complex passwords when applying security policies on your network. Other options include denying or limiting USB file storage access, using a password management solution, setting user screen timeouts, and limiting user access.

5. Security Awareness

Phishing attempts don’t work if no one takes the bait. Train your users about data security and email attacks, and ensure they’re aware of your policies and procedures. Consider our web-based training solution and “done-for-you” security policies.

6. Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of protection that ensures your data remains safe even if your password is stolen. Utilize it whenever possible on your network, banking websites, and even social media accounts.

7. Dark Web Research

The Dark Web’s a scary place, so we make sure you – and your data – never have to go there. We scan the Dark Web and take action to protect your business from stolen credentials that have been posted for sale.

8. Advanced Endpoint Detection & Response

Protect your computer’s data from malware, viruses and cyberattacks with advanced endpoint security. This cutting-edge technology replaces your outdated antivirus solution and protects against fileless and script-based threats. It can even rollback a ransomware attack! Impressive, right?

9. Web Gateway Security

Cloud-based security detects web and email threats as they emerge on the internet and instantly blocks them on your network, before they have a chance to reach the user.

10. Security Incident & Event Management (SIEM)/Log Management

This uses big data engines to review all event and security logs from all covered devices in order to protect against advanced threats and meet compliance requirements.

11. Mobile Device Security

Today’s cybercriminals are banking on the fact that you’ll overlook mobile device security so they can steal data or access your network via your employee’s phones and tablets. Don’t let them!

12. Backup

There’s no such thing as too many backups. Back up locally, back up to the cloud, have an offline backup for each month of the year. Test your backups often, and call your IT service provider if you fear they aren’t working properly.

13. Encryption

The process of encryption converts information or data into code to prevent unauthorized access. Make it your goal to encrypt whenever possible – whether files are at rest, in motion or on mobile devices.

14. Firewall

Turn on Intrusion Detection and Intrusion Prevention features, and send the log files to a managed SIEM. (Or have your IT team do it, because most normal humans don’t know what any of that means.)

Contact us today and let us do what we do best: preventing cyberattacks from getting the best of your business.