Alas, the extraordinary scale of the cloud revolution we now bask in has come at a cost: an enormous increase in risk – for every cyber asset and service platform you add to your home or company IT asset, you get a new possible entry point and surface for incoming hack attacks. However, there has been no matching revolution in cybersecurity and IT management to date, leaving many firms failing to detect, much alone prevent, attacks when (not if) they show up.
To back the first statement of this article, a report from IBM found that the average cost of a data breach in 2022 was over $4 million, up from 2019’s $3.86 million.
Therefore, it is pertinent that companies create a robust defense to defend themselves from cyber assaults as cybersecurity threats become more effective and complex. As threats evolve, suitable technological security measures must be developed and changed; however, it is equally vital that personnel be taught to be and act as your company’s first line of defense.
Malicious attackers seeking to disrupt your firm or get confidential information may choose to attack your staff as the first step in gaining access to your organization. As a result, personnel training should be a key component of your protection strategy.
Recommendations and Tips
Below are some security recommendations and tips that every computer user should be aware of. It is not all, so use this as a straightforward approach to assess your security or to assist individuals you care about in writing down the fundamentals:
Schedule automatic backups for all your devices
If you don’t back up your data frequently, all of your vital data is at risk. Most people think backup is as tricky as coding; it’s not, so you do not have any reason not to back up your files. All you need do is download the software and pick your preferred and favorite settings. Many software suit this purpose, so it is only necessary that you take advantage of them. Choose a good backup software, choose your settings, and you’re set!
Ensure you download and use quality antivirus systems.
Malware and viruses are always a risk. Using an anti-malware solution for on-demand scanning and an antivirus product (depending on the OS) is recommended. Simple, isn’t it?
Utilize a password manager
Everyone needs to get or purchase a password manager to securely store passwords and enable users to create difficult ones. Password managers (can be free or paid software) that help you remember all your passwords. How? By storing all your passwords (most likely by encryption) in a program and ensuring only you can access them by inputting a single password. This way, you just have to remember just one password to access all others.
Also, you will need to satisfy a form of authentication to get access. It will require authentication to be opened. Anyone else attempting to steal your password will also require that authentication, which is how security is assured.
Encrypting your data
Data encryption is now a far more accessible alternative than it was a few years ago. You can save all data on your device in encrypted form or on a cloud system, which often includes encryption capabilities (similar or more complex than your device). However, you must decrypt the data before utilizing it when necessary.
Handling your email properly
When logging on to your email app on any device, be very careful when checking mails. Ensure you don’t click on any messages until you know and have confirmed the sender. If it is from an unknown individual, simply delete the message without opening it.
Also, even if you know the individual but the email has an attachment with a weird filename or unfamiliar extension, do not download it. Always be aware of phishing schemes and what they can do to you—anyone can be a victim of harmful emails.
In general, be wary of emails and phone calls that require you to click on links, change computer settings, disclose corporate information, or provide personal information.
Make use of two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication is a very secure and easy security option. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection that protects you if your password is compromised. Not to worry, if you lose your phone (which is frequently used as the authentication device), you can still access your account by going through added precautions from the service provider.
Be overly cautious when downloading from the Internet
When it comes to downloading from the Internet, businesses have certain procedures. If an employee must download files from the Internet, the following guidelines should be followed:
- Make sure that you are downloading from a reliable source.
- Malware and viruses can lurk in various files, so be cautious and alert while downloading essential files.
- Adhere to your company’s Internet file-downloading policy. If you’re unsure about these policies, just ask!
- Be especially wary of files that require you to activate features or request authentication to view the document.
Be suspicious about everyone and everything
When it comes to safeguarding your computer or device, you must consider that your equipment is vulnerable to a cyber assault at any moment. Ensure you are protected and alert at all times.
Looking To Learn More About Best Cybersecurity Tips and Practices?
It is important that businesses adopt the security tips listed in this article, especially as individuals, as this would ensure that security risks are reduced. Each tip helps in various aspects to build a single, composite IT security defense and provide all bases are secured.
AhelioTech is a top IT firm offering cybersecurity solutions in Columbus, Ohio. Contact us to build on your IT knowledge, at 614-333-0000.
