Three areas that are often missed with IT security
When it comes to your IT security, certain aspects can be overlooked and can cause significant problems. For example, an insecure password can enable a hacker to gain access to your server, steal data or even take your website offline.
So, which are the overlooked IT areas in terms of security? Here is a quick list and what you can do to fix them.
1. Updates
One of the biggest problems with inadequate IT security is the constant updates that are necessary. Updates are essential for numerous reasons, such as fixing bugs or errors that can happen when your system runs or those that could cause crashes or prevent a function from displaying the right information.
However, updates are also often released by the software developers when they identify a security gap. For instance, there might be an area of the coding that can be used by hackers to make your server think they are a legitimate user.
These updates are there to resolve errors and prevent their use by criminals. When you don’t update your software, then you can have a significant problem because the longer you leave it, the more likely a hacker will realise your mistake. They will then try to gain access to your IT infrastructure.
Anti-virus software installed on all your computers and terminals should be regularly updated. If you don’t do this regularly, then viruses can sneak in and cause all sorts of problems. Most viruses slow down your systems, but some can be backdoors into your data to access and steal it from you.
You need to check for updates for new viruses almost every day. There are more than 350,000 new viruses and malware programs discovered every day. Only by doing regular updates can you maximise your protection.
Weekly, if not daily updates and system checks, can protect your IT infrastructure. An IT outsourcing provider can help you. They can check for and complete updates for you. Outsourcing can be a big time saver and allows you to focus on other elements of your work.
2. Password changes
Employees logging into your IT network may choose a commonly used password such as 123456 or password1. As most usernames are an email address, it would not be hard for a hacker to gain access to a system through accounts like this.
Many staff will use the same password on numerous systems. For example, the password for a Facebook account could be the same as email, PayPal and other services an employee uses online. Sometimes there will be small differences, but often they are the same.
If a cybercriminal steals the user credentials from Facebook or another online service, then they will also be able to access your IT infrastructure.
While some companies think that there is a limited chance that a hacker will be able to connect a social media account with a company account, nothing could be further from the truth. Most social media networks now ask users to add their workplace.
Therefore, the best option is to make your employees change their password every 60-90 days. And ensure that they use a different password from before. Advise them on how to produce a strong and secure password.
Related to this is the fact that IT support staff don’t always delete staff details from the IT network when they leave the company. If their IT details become stolen in the future, then criminals may be able to gain access to your IT network via their data. So remember, if you’ve got a staff member who is leaving, remove their data from your server immediately after they’ve gone to prevent this from happening.
3. Staff training
Cybersecurity training isn’t often at the top of anyone’s list when it comes to corporate training. But it should be a priority and provided by a professional IT support team that can help your employees identify risks.
However, staff training for cybersecurity is vital for your IT network integrity. They should know several aspects of IT security that can make them realise that they’re the front line. After all, most hackers have gained access to a network thanks to human error.
Staff training should take place regularly. Research has shown that even when employees are aware that an email is unsafe to open, they may still open files or click on links that they can’t verify.
With regular training, they can learn the warning signs, policies and procedures. They can also be told, by experts, how their actions can impact the business. Use real-life examples of how employees in other companies have caused issued.
Regular training should include updates about the latest digital scams and more. For instance, there are scams using text messages to infect Smartphones to find login credentials for social media profiles or your IT infrastructure.
In addition to training existing staff, you should be training new staff before they start working. Devote at least one hour, if not more, to the onboarding process to discuss cybersecurity at work. Training should include policies, procedures and the current threats.
Conclusion
While there are lots of areas where companies are making progress in protecting their IT infrastructure from cybercriminals, there are often still security gaps. Above are three of the most common IT aspects where organisations are often lacking. By solving these, you can increase the chance that your organisation is not a victim of cybercrime.
https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/360k-new-malware-samples-every-day/
