3 top tips for protecting your business against cyber crime
Your company’s IT system is an essential part of your operation, helping you service your clients each day. With constants threats from cybercrime, it is crucial that you protect your IT software and programmes from cyber-attacks by utilising the services and expertise of an IT professional.
On top of working with an expert IT professional to ensure your business is protected, there are some steps you can take to help protect your business from cybercrime. Below we’ve listed our top tips, so that you have peace of mind that, from today, you’re doing everything you can to keep your information safe.
1. Stay up to date, on and offline
Regularly updating your operating systems, software and programmes is one of the most important ways to avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime. Old and outdated versions are very often full of security vulnerabilities which can be exploited to perpetrate cybercrime attacks. The cleanest, most up to date version of the system or programme you’re working on is sent out to protect your business and data, so always be sure to stay on top of updates.
The same applies for your browser online – you need to make sure you’re always working on the latest version of the software available to you. This will protect your business from online viruses, attacks and hacking that can take place in software that has become outdated. You also need to invest in security systems and software, such as a firewalls & anti-virus software, that can protect your business from viruses, phishing attacks and spyware.
2. Minimise access
Whilst you will undoubtedly have hired people you trust, it’s imperative you retain control internally of the access you allow your employees to have. Use restricted access, and administrative rights to minimise the amount of software that can be installed on company computers, and to keep a handle on new programmes being introduced to your network. For restricted sites and pages with low level security, you should block access, which will stop employees or external hackers from uploading potential damaging data to online storage clouds.
3. Stay password protected
Also, be sure that you’re using passwords to protect all important data, especially if the information you’re working with is protected or personal data. Whilst this might seem like an obvious point, many businesses forget this simple step in protecting themselves from cyber-crime. Changing passwords regularly and setting levels of complexity significantly reduces the likelihood of passwords being guessed.
As a business owner you will also have responsibility under legislation such as the Data Protection Act and GDPR to protect information pertaining to your clients. In 2016 there were 21 penalties issued by the ICO resulting in fines totalling £2,155,500 due to breaches of this responsibility
If you’re a small, or medium sized business and you’re looking to implement IT security training in your business, or want to partner with an IT expert, then outsourcing your IT support could be the solution. By outsourcing your IT, the responsibility for security, and protection from cybercrime is passed onto your external IT expert, who will do everything possible to secure your business. For more information, get in touch with CARA Technology today.
