Are you concerned about cyber security? Should you be?
Cyber Threats
A shadowy, hulking creature crawls out of the dark, stealthily sneaking up to an unsuspecting, business building to steal the company’s secrets and valuable, one of a kind serums. It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Superman! He has come to save the day! He defeats the enemy and the company’s secrets are safe for another day.
The days of tangible, evil masterminds creeping into buildings being the main safety concern of business owners are in the past. Hackers are invisible, disguising themselves as legitimate websites and emails. They creep through WiFi radio streams and cabling to find and steal intellectual property or the next great idea that could bring your company success.
Where is your computer’s super hero? How does your company protect its information while allowing employees to access and share necessary information? These 5 tips will equip your company with the basic protection it needs for today’s cyber security.
Cyber Security Tips
Password Complexity– 4.5 seconds is all it takes to crack your 6 character password. Instead create passwords that are at least 10 characters long including numbers and symbols. These can take up to 5 years to crack.
Updates– An update is ready to be installed. It is tempting to put off impending updates since it takes precious work time. Don’t fall into the temptation. New threats are discovered daily, and updates keep your computers safe from the most recent types of threats with protective patches.
Firewalls and Anti-Virus Settings– When is the last time you looked at your firewall settings? What ports are open to public access? Strike the appropriate balance of open communication to conduct business and security with both firewall and anti-virus settings. These settings are your company’s first defense to prevent the spread of contagious viruses throughout your network.
Avoid Phishing Emails and Websites– Employees see suspicious emails that are obviously spam each day but what about the one from their supervisor that asks for personal information to conduct important business? Teach your employees to check the validity of emails with their supervisor before divulging personal information. It is also important to check if an email link is valid by hovering over it before clicking. One letter can mean the difference between a good site and dangerous one.
Multi Factor Authentication– Even with all of the above precautions, cyber criminals can still trick cautious users. Multi-factor authentication requires an additional security measure, such as a pin code, fingerprint, or facial recognition, to log in. This extra step can mean the difference in protecting your company from online threats.
The Next Step-Great IT Support
Still worried about cyber security? Want to spend your time growing your business instead of worrying about your network? IT Ninjas can save the day! We set up and support each company’s IT with the right balance of security and open communication while keeping your business running smoothly even if disaster strikes. Because Computers Need Heroes Too!
Also published in the June edition of the Greater Phoenix InBusiness Magazine
